Description
Physical description
CONTROL.
Pommel form: disc pommel enclosed by laurel wreath, all in gilt brass. The obverse of the disc is adorned with the badge of the RAF - a crowned Garter, embossed 'PER ARDVA AD ASTRA', having at its centre the RAF eagle. Above the badge is the text 'BATTLE OF BRITAIN SEPT 1940' and below, 'THEIR FINEST HOUR'. Reverse of disc bears the full face portrait bust of Winston Churchill.
Grip form: long one-piece oval section wood grip which tapers towards pommel. A short gilt ferrule separates smoothly finished grip from guard.
Guard form: ornate guard in gilt brass, comprising the RAF eagle, its outspread wings forming the long crosspieces.
Blade form: straight, flattened oval section double-edged blade which tapers very slightly to broad spear point. Plated steel finish.
Blade (left flat) finish: etched decoration comprising a panel enclosing the winged badge of the RAF above the text 'DEDICATED TO 'THE FEW' AND TO THE MANY WHO HELPED MAKE VICTORY POSSIBLE'. Below the inscription are five full-length studies of RAF personnel, captioned respectively, 'PILOT', 'FLIGHT MECHANIC, 'WAAF OPS ROOM PLOTTER', 'FLIGHT SGT' and 'ARMOURER'.
Blade (right flat) finish: etched decoration comprising a Battle of Britain fighter station scene - three pilots dash to their waiting Hurricanes, three fighters being already airborne. Design executed within panel bearing the RAF badge.
History note
The sword is displayed on its original issue (Air Force Blue) parchment backing board with gilt plaque caption. The caption is inscribed: 'BATTLE OF BRITAIN AUGUST 8TH - SEPTEMBER 15TH 1940 'NEVER IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN CONFLICT WAS SO MUCH OWED BY SO MANY TO SO FEW' WINSTONCHURCHILL. HOUSE OF COMMONS 20TH AUG 1940'. The inscription is flanked, left, by an enamelled RAF roundel and, right, by a small medallion depicting RAF fighter aircraft patrolling the English skies. A framed 'Certificate of Authenticity' is also associated with the weapon: "Wilkinson Sword Limited hereby certify that this sword, issued to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Victory of the Battle of Britain in 1940, is numbered GP111 in a world- wide limited edition of 500'.
Inscription
mark etched blade (left and right ricassos) decorative panel enclosing the Royal Arms and maker's details in ten lines -"BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II SWORD CUTLERS WILKINSON [over two crossed swords] SWORD LONDON MADE IN ENGLAND"
Inscription
inscription stamped blade (left edge, at base)GP 111