Lot:11181110

Crimean War interest the 41st Welch Regiment Officer's sword belongs to Lieutenant E.J.L.

A British 19 Century infantry 41st The Welch Regiment Sword. The maker marked blade by "Boreman Strand London". Sword cutler Frederick Felix Boreman 432 Strand 1848 - 1866 with etched decoration depicting a Crowned VR cypher, the regiment battle honours title: War of 1812: "Detroit", "Queenstown", "Miami", "Niagara" First Anglo-Burmese War: "Ava" First Anglo-Afghan War: "Cabool 1842","Candahar", "Ghuznee". Crimean War 5 Oct 1853 – 30 Mar 1856: "Alma", "Inkerman", "Sebastopol". Also with the initials “E.J.L” with the family coat of arms. The hilt of the pattern with wire bound fishskin grip contained in its copper gilt mounted leather scabbard, the upper mount with maker's panel "Wilkinson Gun&Sword Maker Pallmall London" The sword was made for Edward James Laughlin. He was appointed Ensign in the 41st Regiment of Foot (The Welch Regiment) on 10th September 1851. He was present at the storming and destruction of the fortified Mandingo town of Sabajee on the Gambia on 1st June 1853.Then appointed Lieutenant on 6th January 1854. Both appointments were by merit, and not by purchase. He also registered in Crimean war records: Rank - Lieutenant, records year - 1855.The Regiment saw action in the Crimean War (1854-56). Battle for the Alma on 20 September 1854, Inkerman on 5 November 1854 and the siege of Sevastopol (at the time called Sebastopol) lasted until September 1855. Laughlin retains the same rank until December 1856 but he has disappeared from the Army List by April 1857 (probably because he could not afford to buy his next commission). E.J.Laughlin retires from the Regiment on 3rd March 1857.