RAF Officers Sword
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RAF Officers Sword
I was thinking of buying an RAF officers sword for my nephew upon his graduation at 'cranditz'. I was wondering if there approved swords or suppliers.
I came across the following supplier in Canada, who seem much less expensive than others.
http://www.militaryheritage.com/roya...orce_sword.htm
Any thoughts?
I came across the following supplier in Canada, who seem much less expensive than others.
http://www.militaryheritage.com/roya...orce_sword.htm
Any thoughts?
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
AH, a nice thought but would it be money well spent? A sword may be worn by the Sqn standard bearer and maybe a Service weddings. Other times it will just be extra baggage on postings.
Rather endorse PN's point of view, despite the blurb. Knights of the Air? Yer 'avin a larf, aintcher?
When I was in the militaria game I heard about this firm who were producing Royal Naval officers' swords at about one third of the cost of the normal Wilkinson item. Seemed great value until you saw one - they were C**P!
If you really do want to buy your nephew a sword (and I tend to go along with P & N on this) I think you may as well splash out on a good one, rather than an inferior product.
I remember thinking about buying myself a Breitling Navitimer when I was about to start nav school, but thought better of it and was mightily glad I did, as I would have looked a real poser sporting one of those as a student nav. I think owning your own sword falls into the same category.
If you really do want to buy your nephew a sword (and I tend to go along with P & N on this) I think you may as well splash out on a good one, rather than an inferior product.
I remember thinking about buying myself a Breitling Navitimer when I was about to start nav school, but thought better of it and was mightily glad I did, as I would have looked a real poser sporting one of those as a student nav. I think owning your own sword falls into the same category.
I’ve worn a sword precisely twice and both of those times were for private weddings. Hire costs are a pittance from stores at Cranwell or Halton. Standard bearers and commanders at or above group captain rank are about the only people who would wear a sword any more than once in a blue moon; it would be an expensive encumbrance for a mobile young JO. Besides, looking back through the mists of time, graduating from IOT ranks low on the scale of career landmarks. A set of solid gold cuff links (monogrammed, and with a message and/or graduation date inside the box?) goes well with all dress uniforms and evening wear and might be a good alternative idea. A watch would be best given when he is on an aircraft or unit that has a special edition going, which also avoids the risk identified by TTN of being seen as a poser while under training. Just my opinion!
Last edited by Easy Street; 4th Apr 2018 at 06:58.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
A watch would be best given when he is on an aircraft or unit that has a special edition going, which also avoids the risk identified by TTN of being seen as a poser while under training. Just my opinion!
Seiko has a similar no battery watch.
Service watches are good, but a battery will die at an awkward moment like OOA and getting them changed is a PITA.
Passing your first OCU is the biggest step as you finally leave the training machine. Actually you are not fully out of training until on the Sqn 6 months or so.
Check that he isn't getting one himself in the first place! The suppliers are invited in during your first few weeks and more than a few people buy their own by paying installments throughout their training.
The sword is CAD 349 + 149 shipping = CAD 498
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There was one for sale on here in the last month or so, but I cannot find the link.
Like the traditional British bayonet, it is always good to have something to fall back on.
Just remembered a rather less amusing incident of a 'mock' sword fight in the OM which resulted in life-changing injury.
jolihokistix,
What kind of weddings do you go to!?
What kind of weddings do you go to!?
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In 20 years service I flourished a sword only 3 times after training, all on parades, so I'd wholly endorse the cufflinks suggestion. The pair my parents gave me and which I wore on passing out parade at Cranwell are some of my most prized possessions and were/are worn very regularly in both RAF and civilian life. That said, when I retired from the Service my wife gave me a fabulous momento - a George V pattern RAF sword which hangs on my study wall and is a constant and very welcome reminder.