Uniform sword with scabbard, England, 1901-1925

Uniform sword with scabbard, belt and leather case, belonging to surgeon Lieut. Commander J.S. McGrath, R.N., English, 1901-1925

Famous tailor Gieves Limited in London made this uniform sword with scabbard, belt and leather case. It belonged to surgeon Lieutenant Commander John Stephen McGrath (d. 1927) of the British Royal Navy. A uniform sword was worn by officers as part of their official uniform. The steel sword is engraved with a crown and anchor surrounded by oak leaves. McGrath was awarded medical degrees from The National University of Ireland. He then joined the Navy in 1917 and served during the First World War.