Fit for a king! Sword once owned by George V tipped to fetch £8,000
KING George V's sword has emerged for auction and is tipped to sell for £8,000.
The magnificent blade belonged to George V when he was Prince of Wales between 1901 and 1910 and is emblazoned with a G below a crown.
Also engraved on the blade is 'by special appointment to His Majesty The King, J.Daniels & Co Artillery Place, Woolwich' - a reference to its mighty owner and where the sword was made.
The 37.5 in sword, complete with bullion sword knot, has a straight blade etched with the Royal Arms, a crowned fouled anchor and oak leaf decoration.
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It is believed George V presented the sword to his dear friend Lord Frederick Wolverton who served as Edward VII's Vice Chamberlain of the Household from 1902 to 1905.
More recently, it has found its way into the hands of a collector who has now decided it is time to move it on.
George V joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1877 before becoming a midshipman, lieutenant and commander.
It is likely George V left the sword their one day or gave it to him as a present
He commanded Torpedo Boat 79 in home waters then HMS Thrush in North America.
The death of his older brother Prince Albert saw him adopt more ceremonial roles as he became Vice Admiral in 1903, Admiral four years later and, upon his ascension to king, Admiral of the Fleet in 1910.
Steven Bosley, partner at Marlow-based Bosleys who are auctioning off the sword, said: "We believe the sword came from Lord Wolverton who was a great friend of Edward VII and George V.
"It is likely George V left the sword their one day or gave it to him as a present - exactly what happened we'll never know.
"The collector has had it for some time and cherished it but now they have decided to part with it.
"It is a standard sword. All kings and princes who have been in the forces always have had standard kit.
"It is only those little initials on it which tell us who it belonged too.
"How many swords of kings do you come across? Generally swords of this ilk would be kept at Windsor Castle but because George V was in his youth when it was his - before he was King - this sword has come out."
The auction takes place on March 1.
