A Rare Zulu War Pattern 1857 Officers Sword by Wilkinson of Pall Mall.
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41” overall, 35" straight spear pointed blade etched with owners name ‘Harry Parr’ in a ribbon and ‘Henry Wilkinson Pall Mall London’. Back edge stamped 22991. Steel hilt, the bowl of open work scrolled form with engraved foliage designs. Wire bound fish skin grip, with silver wire sword knot. Steel scabbard with pigskin leather cover, with steel drag
No. 22991 for 1879.
A very unusual and rare sword that must have been ordered for service in South Africa, the scroll hilt offered the best hand protection of any in British service and the leather covered scabbard as protection from burns in the tropical sun
In very good condition, plain blade with all original polish.
Sold with many pages of research and a copy of the Henry Parr book on the Zulu War
Henry Hallam Parr
Commissioned in Somersetshire Light Infantry. He had the rank of Captain in 1879
Military Secretary to Sir Bartle Frere (High Commissioner of Southern Africa) with rank of Major
Given leave of absence for active service in Zulu War.
Accompanied Lord Chelmsford column when the former divided his forces prior to the Battle of Isandlwana.
Received the last message from Colonel Pulleine prior to the attack on the British Force. The message was passed via Major Clery (with whom Parr was Assistant Staff Officer) to Chelmsford who chose to ignore it. Parr was with the detachment who first encountered the outcome of the ensuing massacre.
Served in the Boer War of 1881 as Commandant of the Remount Establishment and as Commandant of a corps of Mounted Infantry
Commanded the Mounted Infantry in the Egyptian War of 1882. Severely wounded in action in the engagement at Tel-el- Mahuta, twice mentioned in despatches.
Served in the expedition to the Sudan in 1884, Lieutenant Colonel
Promoted Colonel 1886
Promoted Major General 1899.