THIS FINE GROUP HAS BEEN SOLD. Thank you!

 

LT B.R.H. WARD, RN
 FULL DRESS UNIFORM & COCKED HAT 

Full Dress Winter Blue                        Undated  

Made by Gieve's Ltd.                           Approx. Size  38 Long

Label B.R.H. Ward                               Cocked Hat by Gieve's

 

Presented is a British Royal Navy, full dress, winter blue uniform owned by Bernard Ralph Henry Ward, RN (1911-2000), dating from when he was a lieutenant in 1932. He is the son of Capt. Bernard John Hamilton Ward, RD, OBE. Young Ward first retired from the Royal Navy in 1935, but was called back into service during WW II, and was promoted to LCDR in 1942. While serving in HMS Braganza in 1946, he was invested in the Order of the British Empire. After discharge, he served in the Civil Service, and is listed in the Peerages. He died in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England on 16 February 2000.

The uniform comes with a Victorian style tin case for the cocked hat and sword belt, and another tin case for the uniform. The hand stitched tailor's label inside the jacket is from Gieve;s Ltd, the premier purveyor of British uniforms and accoutrement's, and is imprinted with his name.

Cocked hat, epaulets and sword belt in upper case. Uniform case below

Uniforms of this quality from Gieve's Ltd from a Royal Navy officer are rare. They are wonderful display items, and in that era were similar to the Royal Navy Uniforms that date back to Lord Horatio Nelson as is shown in the print directly below. They serve to establish a historic connection with the past as is shown by this lithograph of British Royal Navy Uniforms dated 1834. This surviving example of a lieutenant's uniform of this style is in its original "fine" condition.

Royal Navy Officer Uniforms from 1834          Captain                     Lieutenant                Midshipman                   Marine

Front and Back of LT Ward's full dress uniform

CONDITION: The coat is very good with some minor wear, some loose stitching on the collar and the gold lace has developed a patina of age. The named case for the uniform is good with scattered scratches, dents and minor surface oxidation. One epaulet is missing the anchor of rank, and the other's anchor is loose. Otherwise in good embroidered condition except for some torn fabric in the undersides. The cocked hat is very good with some wear and aging with the sweat band and liner showing some stains. The sword belt is very good with some cracked and worn leather. The named case for the hat is good, but expect to find scratches, minor surface rust and a stained lining. It has various P&O stickers affixed.

 

Cocked hat on tin box that holds it and the epaulets and belt

References:

http://thepeerage.com/p8637.htm#i86364

 http://www.varrall.net/wc27/wc27_360.htm

 http://www.rootsandleaves.com/family/Burke%27s/BANGOR.htm

 

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UNIFORM SIZE:

JACKET:                                            TROUSERS:

Neck 15 1/2“                                         Waist 34“
Shoulders 18 1/2” across                       Inseam 32 3/4“
Waist 34”                                              Hat 6 3/4“
Sleeves 25”                                           Sword Belt 34"

FLAT RATE SHIPPING to 48 contiguous States$175.00.

OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase, it may be returned, if without damage, within five days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer within the continental United States and are refundable if due to our error.

International buyers welcome, but must inquire first. You are responsible for knowing your country's import laws covering edged weapons. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to seller, but credit cards may be accepted through PayPal for verified members by special arrangement.