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**Mou Sea** · 08-05-12, 16:07

We would like to buy a Officers sword for our eldest who is passing out later this year.
Anyone know where we could get a secondhand one, what it should be like and roughly how much we should expect to pay? Sadly we don't have the sort of funds that Greives require! Also probs stupid question but other than passing out, when are they used?

Thanks in the words of the mighty Terry Tibbs.....Swords talk to me!

**WreckerL** · 08-05-12, 17:50

They're only used for ceremonials so on divisions he will carry one. Have you tried E-bay?

**finknottle** · 08-05-12, 17:57

The finest Toledo steel or pork?

**bongo_jeffrey** · 08-05-12, 18:00

To second Wrecker Ebay is your best bet, they are often on there for less than £300. The obvious issue is that you are not able to see the item prior to buying it- they can be quite expensive to refinish or set right if they have not been looked after.

Otherwise, the College Tailor used to sell them but as I recall, was looking at £700+ for the sword and scabbard, with a belt and knot extra.

**Mou Sea** · 08-05-12, 18:50

Will look into eBay and the college, thanks for the help.

**TheCommunicator** · 08-05-12, 18:50

Tell him to keep an eye out on people who are due to pass out a term before him. He may find that there's some who have already had a sword bought for them but fail and are discharged. Good source of a bargain.

Alternately, have a look at The Mess Dress in Bournemouth, - The Mess Dress Ltd they do a RN sword package offer using WKC swords which are manufactured with the ex-Wilkinson Sword tooling.

It's a piece of history you are purchasing, a family heirloom (or it will be when he croaks!!) If you can't stretch to the full amount then what about pooling from any family who may be thinking of buying a pass out present? Maybe he'll even cough up himself?

Beware Ebay, be very careful what you are considering from there or you may find a poor quality import.

**Guns** · 08-05-12, 19:04

22 years and each wedding I attend I promise myself to buy a new sword. never do. If he is a Warfare officer let him spend the money on a good set of binos - trust me they will get much more use out of them than a sword.

**wave_dodger** · 08-05-12, 19:06

OP, I'd really give this some long thought - after 20 years of lugging mine around its only seen the light of day for my passing out (was really chuffed - great idea), followed by a few ceremonial divisions and thereafter the odd wedding. In reality it was a great idea at the time and now something I can't get rid of (parents would spontaneously combust) and just clutters the place.

Now, a very nice watch, similarly priced may also float your son/daughters boat and stand the test of time better? Just a thought.

**Mou Sea** · 08-05-12, 19:15

Mmmn, binocs not supplied? Yeah she's warfare. We are not a military family so this navy lark has been a sharp learning curve, however, we are really proud and wanted to present the sword as a well done, crack on sort of thing. £700 is doable but Greives 2k was a bit ott. It is alot of money for something not used very often though.
How much are good binocs?

**bongo_jeffrey** · 08-05-12, 19:30

Originally Posted by Guns

22 years and each wedding I attend I promise myself to buy a new sword. never do. If he is a Warfare officer let him spend the money on a good set of binos - trust me they will get much more use out of them than a sword.

I agree with you to a certain extent- but nothing screams 'knobber' louder than a YO who turns up on the bridge with a set of expensive binos. Much as I hate to be 'pusser's' in my outlook, I'd be loath to pay to substitute what is perfectly adequate issue kit.