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[M] AN 1827-PATTERN ROYAL NAVY SWORD HILT WITH...
AN 1827-PATTERN ROYAL NAVY SWORD HILT WITH CHINESE REPLACEMENT BLADE
the 29in. curved blade inscribed with Chinese characters near the hilt, regulation hilt with thumbpiece engraved N. B. Bedingfeld [sic] (lacking scabbard, old wear) -- 34¼in. (87cm.) overall
Vice-Admiral Norman Bernard Bedingfield, FRGS, was born 1824 and joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1842, being successively promoted Sub-Lieut. 1842, Lieut. 1851, Commander 1856 and Captain 1862. Retired and was made Rear-Admiral in 1877 and then Vice-Admiral in 1884. Was Midshipman of the Clio during the operations in China in 1842 and present at the forcing of the boom at Obligado in 1846. Repeatedly commended during five years' service suppressing the slave trade off the coast of West Africa. Wrecked in the Forerunner and "was instrumental in saving many lives." Lieut. of the royal yacht Victoria & Albert, 1854-56, and made FRGS in 1855. Accompanied Dr. Livingstone's expedition to the Zambezi in the capacity of Government Surveyor and Nautical Commander sailing from Liverpool in March 1858, returning to England in January 1859 after dramatically falling out with Livingstone. Received a "good service" pension in 1876, retired 1877 and died 26th February 1894.
Sold for £285
Estimated at £250 - £350
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
AN 1827-PATTERN ROYAL NAVY SWORD HILT WITH CHINESE REPLACEMENT BLADE
the 29in. curved blade inscribed with Chinese characters near the hilt, regulation hilt with thumbpiece engraved N. B. Bedingfeld [sic] (lacking scabbard, old wear) -- 34¼in. (87cm.) overall
Vice-Admiral Norman Bernard Bedingfield, FRGS, was born 1824 and joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1842, being successively promoted Sub-Lieut. 1842, Lieut. 1851, Commander 1856 and Captain 1862. Retired and was made Rear-Admiral in 1877 and then Vice-Admiral in 1884. Was Midshipman of the Clio during the operations in China in 1842 and present at the forcing of the boom at Obligado in 1846. Repeatedly commended during five years' service suppressing the slave trade off the coast of West Africa. Wrecked in the Forerunner and "was instrumental in saving many lives." Lieut. of the royal yacht Victoria & Albert, 1854-56, and made FRGS in 1855. Accompanied Dr. Livingstone's expedition to the Zambezi in the capacity of Government Surveyor and Nautical Commander sailing from Liverpool in March 1858, returning to England in January 1859 after dramatically falling out with Livingstone. Received a "good service" pension in 1876, retired 1877 and died 26th February 1894.