Presentation sword awarded to Major-General Frederick Roberts, 1880

Steel sword with gilt scabbard, enamel and ivory hilt, 1880.

During the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880) Roberts commanded the Kurram Field Force, leading it to victory at Peiwar Kotal in December 1878, and later the Kabul Field Force which occupied the Afghan capital on 8 October 1879 following the murder of the British envoy and his escort. Roberts also led his troops on the legendary march from Kabul to Kandahar. Despite the difficult terrain and the high temperatures he covered 280 miles (400 km) in 20 days and hardly lost a man. On 1 September 1880 he defeated Ayub Khan outside Kandahar and relieved the besieged garrison.

The Guildhall of the City of London presented Roberts with this handsome sword in recognition of his services during the campaign.