WW1 Cavarly Officer's sword

[Brin]

Hi all,

As a new member to this forum, rather than an introduction I'm posting to quizz all for information.

I have what I beleive to be a WW1 Cavalry Officer's sword. I originally purchased this from a dealer in Nottingham (believe to have been in Derby Road) in 1986, looking on Google Maps he is not there any more. The sword is slightly unusual as it has no etched markings on the blade (need to dis-assemble to check the tang) and also has an un-marked brass button. The handguard is that consistent with a cavalry sword, as a whole it is identical (other than no engravings) to a known Edward Thurkle, London cavalry sword. As trying to contextualise this sword, the handguards supplied with Thurkle cavalry swords seem fairly unique compared to others of the time.
Of historical sword data I am a begineer, however as a qualified and prof registered Engineer (ECUK) I can tell that the blade is not a modern repro machined replica, but consistent with being a servicable weapon, as it will return to shape without duress unlike modern EN45 spring steel blades. The blade has seen light use which is consistent with the un-verified hand written history received with the blade on purchase.
The hand written history details a Cptn Yeatherd of the Q.O. VII and his regimental transfer to the XII Royal Lancers and death at Arras on 11th Apr 1917. Given the lack of internet globalisation in 1986 and the relative low value of the sword compared to having to travel to Kew to research this info (if not family history) in the 1980s I have no reason to doubt its accuaracy. Still have to check the remainder of the info regarding his family position as being the eldest son, to his Lt. Col father. Checking the War Graves Commission he is registered as being interned at Wancourt (nr Arras) falling as the above date.

So my query is: if commissioned in 1903, his parents domociled in London, for him to be able to purchase this sword (or have bought for him) as a private commission (hence no etching or markings) at what time did the Edward Thurkle sword manufacturers cease to operate and J R Gaunt & Son take over at Denmark Street, Soho, London? As 'The Old Sword' website details 1899, the Antique Sword Trader states that Thurkle was still trading between 1901 to 1910, and a seperate add on the former website states 1900 to 1905? Any help would be appreciated..

My original idea was to find the original dealer from the 1980s and from there to find who he purchased it from, then maybe tie this seller to the asserted original owner (Cpt Yeatherd).

Given the low value of the weapon I have only curiosity to try an identify this and no interest in selling... as it has sat in a wardrobe forgotten about for nearly two decades.
If anyone is interested I'd be happy to provide photos of the sword with its 'service' scabbard.

[SwordSalesEU]

Would recommend you post images of the sword. Images of the tang will not help you; it is not a Japanese sword! I think you are relying too much on flimsy provenance though, dealers wrote BS provenance about swords in 1986.

[Brin]

Hi Mark,
Looking again at the sword further I believe that you are correct. The handguard is not consistent with the style of light cavalry, but more of heavy cavalry which tends to rule out the handwritten note with it. Thank you for the info regarding the tang, as this saves me a job at least.
Will take some photos over the weekend and post.

Have also collected some referenced info concerning Edward Thurtle and his family, along with the Yeatherds so will also post this over the weekend when able.