Lot 26
A LIGHT BRIGADE CHARGERS SWORD & SCABBARD.
The 1821/22 pattern Cavalry sword of Capt John Atkins Pickworth, of the 8th Kings Irish Hussars. One of the 600 chargers, immortalized by Lord Tennyson, later to be commissioned and have some 35 years service in the Regiment before retirement. Hon Captain and Knight of Windsor, he died at Windsor Castle in 1901 aged 77 years.
The sword has a 35./12" blade with the Regimental Crest and Motto, Smalpage & Son of Maddox St, London as the maker or cutler. With Battle Honours from Leswarree to Central India on the VR cypher blade. His initials with the J entwined with A and P in the forte, are on the exceptionally clean and crisp blade. Complete with a three bar steel hilt and steel scabbard with two hanging loops.
John Atkins Pickworth was born in 1824 and enlisted in the 8th Hussars in 1840. He sailed on H M T Medora for the Eastern Campaign on the 27/4/1854. He was in the Recce for Silistria, the battles of Alma, Balaklava, Imkermann and the Tchernays, affairs of Bulganah and McKenzies Farm, siege and fall of Sebastopol. He was awarded the Medal with four clasps, French and Turkish Medals. He was promoted Troop Serjeant the day after taking part in the Charge of the Light Brigade, 26/10/1854.
He after a brief period of Home Service sailed for the campaign in India on the 16/10/1857, on St Lawrence an East India Company Ship. By this time he was Regimental Sergeant-Major of the 8th Hussars.
During the Campaign he was present at the Capture of Kotah and reoccupation of Chundaree, the Battle of Kota ke Serai and Capture of Gwalior and the action at Boordah, Awarded the Mutiny Medal and Clasp.
Appointed Cavalry Depot 28/4/1875, retiring as Hon Captain in April 1878. He was awarded Half Pay and made a Knight of Windsor by Her Majesty on thye same day. He died at Windsor Castle aged 77 years.
His Times Obituary reads; He served for upwards of 35 years with the 8th Hussars. He was in the Squadron that charged in and through the enemy camp at Kota-Keseria, where many guns were captured. Twice mentioned in the Records of The Regiment, 'Having distinguished himself by his steadiness and coolness in keeping the men together and the squadron unbroken after the death of his officers in The Charge of The Light Brigade at Balaklava. Again in the Indian Mutiny at Kote-Keserai when owing to the death of hisd officer, he commanded the troop during the retreat. Awarded the vacant commission on Lt Reilly's death in action. Recommended for a Victoria Cross, according to regimental sources.
Photographs and further details are available on many websites.
See Illustration
