Hamilton Cranley ONSLOW and his Wilkinson Sword

[Will Mathieson]

Wilkinson 3 barred cavalry officer sword with Russian blade. Two sword knots and a checkered backstrap and pommel. India pattern leather scabbard has a 8 inch drag. The blade is heavy due to the wedge shape and lack of regular fuller. The blade has been sharpened professionally, most likely at Wilkinsons and still holds a keen edge for most of its length.

Hamilton Cranley Onslow born 1836, died 1874, son of Thomas Onslow born 1812, died 1882 and Elizabeth Sarah Robert died 1891, served with the 35th NI as an Ensign, passed army examination in the Hindoostanee language, promoted Lieut. 7 December 1855, Captain 7 December 1867, died Jaulnah in the Deccan 12 June 1874.
Had at least four children; Cranley Charlton born 19 Sept 1869, served with distinction with the 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. during WW1, died 1940; http://www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1s...tnphotos1.html Constance Jane b. 18 April 1868; Caroline Agnes b. 27 May 1871 and Henrietta Ellen b. 25 July 1872, all these births took place in Bolarum, Madras.

Capt. H.C. Onslow served in North Canara Campaign from March to December 1858 and was present at a skirmish with the enemyand pursuits after the rebels.

Hamilton Cranley Onslow. married Henrietta Fanny Musgrove 1867.

Henriettas father, Major General John Forbes served with the field force in Sind and Affghanistan in 1841-42, including the aduace on Candahar, and the several operations of the army under General Nott leading to the reoccupation of joznee and Cabul (Medal). Served with the force under Sir Charles Napier in Sind in 1843, and was present the battle of Hyderabad (Medal). Persian campaign of 1856-57, including the assault and capture of Reshire, rrender of Bushire, at Borazjoon, and battle of Kooshab—severely wounded (Medal with Clasp, and CB.S. :rved with the Central India Field Force from the siege of Ratghur to the fall of Calpee (Medal with Clasp), imnianded the rear guard from Etora to Deopoora when attacked by the rebel army and which he held in check 1 til the baggage was safely escorted into camp.Capt. H.C. Onslow served in North Canara Campaign from March to December 1858 and was present at a skirmish with the enemy and pursuits after the rebels.

As you can see history of Onslow lacks during the Indian Mutiny. Any help is appreciated in filling in this chapter.
A portrait or a photo would be asking too much? I hope not! Putting a face to a name is always rewarding.

[Maureene]

There is a brief mention of the North Canara Field Force and Lieutenant Onslow in

http://books.google.com.au/books?id=o2d ... ce&f=false
page 1018 Allen’s Indian Mail 1858 Google Books

Cheers
Maureen

[Will Mathieson]

Thank-you Maureen, every bit helps.

Here is the Wilkinson blade proof page I neglected to add earlier, showing the "Russian spear point" blade description.

[Matt Easton]

Hi Will, do you happen to know the total weight of the sword? I'm interested to know how it compares to a standard infantry sword (which are usually pretty close to 2lbs) or the slightly heavier artillery and cavalry models.

[Will Mathieson]

Hi Matt, the sword weighs 2 pounds 1.5 ounces.

[Matt Easton]

Thanks Will, so actually fairly light for the length!

[Will Mathieson]

Hi Matt, the dimensions of the blade are a bit decieving. At the ricasso it is 1 1/8" by 9/32 then one inch forward it is (this is where the wedge begins) is 1 3/32" by 1/4" and tapers in thickness. The width also tapers somewhat at 18" measures 31/32" and 3/16" thick, at 2' 1/4" the spearpoint begins and the fuller ends. width is 15/16" and thickness 1/8"
The fuller at its widest is 9/32" and 22" long and not too deep.
Balances at 6 3/4" from the guard.

[Matt Easton]

That centre of gravity is quite far from the hand for this sort of sword, which I suppose makes it feel heavier than it is - it will also mean it hits harder. Sounds like my kind of sword .

[Will Mathieson]

Great news, a relative of H.C. Onslow has graciously sent me a photo of Hamilton Cranley Onslow and his EIC commission and Madras Staff Corps document.

[swordcollector1]

That's a great set of supporting material, Will - well done! Victorian commission documents are surprisingly rare considering the length of Victoria's reign and the number she must have signed off! And HEIC documents doubly so.

John