Anson Memorial Prize Presentation Sword, 1885

This sword was presented to Gentleman Cadet H W Johnstone for his study and conduct at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and for winning the Anson Memorial Prize in 1885.

The Anson Sword was awarded annually at the end of each autumn term to the Sandhurst cadet who passed out first on the list at final examination.

It is a variation of the Pattern 1822 Infantry Officer's sword. The blade is engraved with decoration, including the cypher of Queen Victoria, the Prince of Wales' crest and motto, the maker's name - Henry Wilkinson - and the dedication. It has a 'gothic' guard, inset with the Victorian cypher, and a wooden grip covered in fishskin.

Johnstone, born in 1865, went on to become a colonel with the 7th Madras Infantry and the 17th Punjabis.