Antony Cribb Ltd
Lot 236
A Victorian Rifle Officer's sword, 83.5cm blade by Henry Wilkinson, serial no. 24657 for 1881 and purchased by Lieutenant David Gamble, etched with scrolling foliage, crowned strung bugle horn, crowned VR cypher and owner's initials D.G. Jr, regulation steel gothic hilt incorporating a crowned strung bugle horn, wire bound fishskin grip, contained in its black painted steel scabbard complete with leather transit case and various copy research. The purchaser of this sword was Lieutenant (later Major) David Gamble, 2nd Volunteer Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire Regiment), of Talardy, St Asaph, Flintshire (born 1856). In Army Lists of the period David Gamble is consistently referred to "David Gamble Junior" due to the fact that he was at all times serving under his father, Sir David Gamble C.B. (1823-1889), who commanded the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, from 5th July 1860 and was subsequently Colonel of the regiment from 17th December 1887. David Gamble Junior was first commissioned Lieutenant, 11th January 1882, promoted Captain, 7th January 1888 and retired with the rank of Major, 10th August 1898. David Gamble Junior's brother, Josias Gamble, also saw service with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. The Gamble family were involved in the personal care and cleaning products industry and were the Gamble part of what went on to become the international conglomerate "Proctor and Gamble".
