Lot 40
THE MAMELUKE OF GENERAL SIR THOMAS BRADFORD GCB GCH.
The Mameluke sword of General Sir Thomas Bradford GCB and GCH, who served under Wellington, during the Peninsula War. Plain Ivory grips with steel mounts and the owners etched details on the scabbard. 32" long curved blade, with full length broad fullers. Marked Solingen on the spine, in very clean condition overall. The scabbard of black leather and decorative steel mounts, has the following details etched at the bottom hanger mount.
'Worn by General Sir Thomas Bradford GCB-GCH during the Peninsular War'.
Lt Colonel of the 34th & 82nd Regiments of Foot. Brigade and Division Commander Peninsular War, 1810-14. He was awarded the Army Gold Medal with one clasp.
Born in 1777 he was commissioned into the 4th Kings Own regiment in 1793, in 1795 promoted Major into the Loyal Nottinghamshire Fencibles. He served with his Regiment in the Suppression of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Promoted Colonel in 1806, he took part in the Buenos Aeries Expedition. He then served under General Moore and later Wellington from 1808 until 1814. Awarded the Grand Cross of the Bath and Grand Cross of Hannover.
He took part in the Battles of Vimeiro 1808, Corrunna 1809, Salamanca 1812. Later promoted Lt General commanding a Portugese Division at Vittoria, San Sebastian and Nive. He was wounded at Bayonne in 1814, returning to the UK to recover his health. Taking up a Staff Appointment as Northern District Occupation of France, 7th Division 1815-17. Thence Forces in Scotland 1819, Commander in Chief of Troops Bombay, before returning to the UK in 1829.
He became Colonel of the 30th Foot Cambridgeshire Regt, in 1829.
His wife Mary died at sea, on her return from India in February 1830. He had issue and died in Eaton Square London, in 1853. The older brother of Sir Henry Bradford, severley wounded at the Battle of Waterloo 1815. The sword has remained in a private collection for many years. It was later re-united with his brothers Mameluke, several years ago.
See Illustration
