A late 19th Century Ethiopian gurade sword, with typical rhino horn hilt, fitted with a Henry Wilkinson 1821 pattern single fullered cavalry blade with proof slug stamped to the blade, circa 1855 to 1887, S/D. Provenance - The sword was inherited from the owner's mother, who in turn, inherited the sword in around 1975 from her father Mr Aston Foreman, who in 1970 was made Jamaica's first diplomatic representative to an African country, being appointed ambassador to Ethiopia. By repute, the sword was gifted to Mr Foreman by the Emperor Haile Selassie. Weight - The gross weight of the sword is 755g, which includes the blade. Dimensions - The overall length of the sword is 87cm. The horn hilt measures 12cm in height and is tapered. The width of the pommel end of the hilt is 11cm, narrowing to 7.5cm at the top.

This item is offered for sale with an AHVLA Animal Health permission letter. As per the letter of permission, Fieldings Auctioneers Ltd are asked to advise any non-EU potential buyers that, in line with new EC Guidance issued in March 2012, it is unlikely that a CITES re-export certificate would be granted for this item. Furthermore, due to Chinese domestic legislation prohibiting the import and internal trade of rhino horn, Fieldings Auctioneers Ltd will not accept bids by telephone, or in writing or by email for this lot from potential buyers based in mainland China and other countries outside the EU.

Please note this lot will not be available for online bidding

Ask a specialist

Mark Hannam
Senior Valuer & Auctioneer

Contact & bio