Of Dongola Expedition interest; the Wilkinson sword of Captain Revd. Travers Hartley Falkiner

A particularly well-provenanced late Victorian Wilkinson officer’s sword associated with Lieutenant Travers Hartley Falkiner of the Connaught Rangers, accompanied by an unusually strong body of biographical and photographic research.

Falkiner served with the 2nd Battalion Connaught Rangers during the 1896 Sudan campaign and was present at the Battle of Firket, where he was involved in the direct command, alongside Lt. O.D. Blunt, of the Maxim guns during the action. Contemporary accounts describe the devastating effect of the Maxims during the battle, giving the sword a direct connection with one of the most significant, and unfortunately lethal, engagements of the Dongola Expedition. Accounts of the Maxim gun crews note that the officers and men dragged the guns down the rocky mountainside to close the distance and better engage the Mahdist forces in Firket village, to devastating effect. 

Falkiner is photographed wearing the sword (second from the right), alongside Blunt (right), likely in Egypt or Sudan within the immediate days of the battle. Interestingly, some contemporary sources quote that the 2nd Battalion Connaught Rangers wore their red tunics during the engagement, if true this would be the last combat engagement that saw British redcoats in action. Certainly something worthy of further research, judging by their appearance in the photograph they did indeed wear red tunics in the wider deployment.

The sword is a Wilkinson-made infantry officer’s example, 1895 pattern, retaining its etched blade, regulation hilt and scabbard, and has been extensively researched through surviving military and biographical records. It is present on the Wilkinson ledger roll, naming T.H. Falkiner.

Falkiner reached public notoriety as the 'Nameless Horseman' in 1905 after participating with vocal support in the Leicester unemployed march.

The blade displays period engravings of 'THF' and 'Firket' alongside crossed swords. 

Overall, a very strong named British officer’s sword with genuine Sudan campaign provenance, combining a quality Wilkinson manufacture with an identifiable officer, period photography and documented active service (and an interesting life after the service!). 

Original antique condition with age-related wear, marks, patina and oxidation as shown. Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Price on Application — please contact for further details.

UK delivery included in the price. Please contact for international shipping availability and costs.