The London sabre was awarded to one of those swashbuckling Royal Navy captains in the Hornblower mould whose exploits were recorded in the presentation inscription on the blade: To Captain William Augustus Montagu of His Majesty’s Frigate Cornwallis from the officers of the troops engaged with him in the assault and conquest of Amboyna, 29 February 1810.
Opulently decorated in silver gilt and in fine condition apart some pitting to the blade, it sold at Thomas Del Mar for £21,000.
Scottish tribute
Sabre presented to Major David Ogilvy in 1808 – €17,000 (£14,655) at Hermann Historica.
The Munich sword, offered at Hermann Historica, recognised the qualities of a Scottish yeomanry officer: Presented by the non-commissioned officers & privates of the Brechin Vol R Infantry to David Ogilvy Esq R Major of that corps in testimony of their esteem and respect for him as an officer and gentleman – AD 1808.
Like the Montague sabre this had a lion’s head pommel and was also silver-gilt decorated. It sold for €17,000 (£14,655).
This sword was presented to Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton KCMG GCMG …by the officers non commissioned officers and members of the 2nd Tower Hamlets Rifle Volunteers as a memento of their regard & esteem on his retirement from the command after nearly 25 years service and subsequently becoming their hony’ colonel 9th Feby 1884. The sword, with a 2ft 9in (84cm) blade by Mappin & Webb, sold for £4300 at the Antony Cribb (22% buyer’s premium) auction on November 12 in Abingdon.
