"One little know fact is that CAS has his own sword, presented to the Office in the mid 1950s. It is sans basket, and has a much longer grip that the 1926 pattern, as was presented by (IIRC) the Worshipful Company of Cutlers, or somesuch. No amount of googling turns up a picture of it."
Would that be to prevent any incumbent in post falling upon it at any stage, no matter how often the government of the day force him to bend to their will?
Anyhoo - back on topic - maybe the 'ensign-waver' had 'borrowed' it from one of the many stations recently closed? Strange how little coverage Mr Froome's efforts have received this year. His misfortune to follow in the wheels of the great 'sidey-face'?