Julia Matyear from Ripon-based Elstob Auctioneers with the sword. There will be an auction for a rare sword that was used in the iconic Charge of the Light Brigade fight. Lieutenant John Chadwick, one of only two officers taken prisoner during the tragic operation, carried the sword almost 1m (3.28 feet) long. ELSTOB AUCTIONEERS/SWNS
A rare sword that was carried in the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade battle is going to auction.
The sword, which is over 1m (3.28 feet) in length, was carried by Lieutenant John Chadwick who was one of only two officers taken prisoner during the disastrous operation.
The battle, which happened in 1854 during the Crimean War, has been regarded as one of the most infamous days in British military history.
It only lasted 20 minutes but resulted in the deaths of 110 British soldiers and left 161 British soldiers wounded.
The cavalry was supposed to attack regular soldiers but the British leaders made a mistake and caused the cavalry to attack artillery guns.
Chadwick was knocked off his injured horse, was taken prisoner by the Russians and was released a year later at the end of the Crimean conflict.
The sword is etched with a crowned VR royal cypher and is accompanied by the name XVII Lancers, which is surrounded by scrolling foliage.
It has been put up for sale by Chadwick’s descendants and will be going to auction at Elstob Auctioneers in Ripon, UK, on Saturday, August 12.
Auction house director David Elstob said he is expecting a considerable amount of interest in the sword because of its “fascinating backstory.”
He said: “It is amazing to have an object with such a fascinating backstory.
“The Charge of the Light Brigade is such a well-known event in its own right but the fact that we know such a lot about the sword’s owner adds even more to its appeal.
“Lt Chadwick’s Crimea Medal, with clasps for Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol were sold for £14,000 [$17,782] at a London auction house in 2020.
“So we are expecting a considerable amount of interest in the sword.”
The sword is expected to reach between £500 – £700 ($635- $889) at auction.
A Victorian government officer’s full-dress sword belt will be going under the hammer on Saturday, alongside a collection of Asian art, objects of vertu and different clocks.
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
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