Lucraft and Luckraft One-name Study

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Admiral Alfred Luckraft's Sword



The National Maritime Museum carries this entry from its collection; url at the end of the article.

Stirrup hilted dress sword, which belonged to Admiral Alfred Luckraft (circa 1792-1871).

The hilt of the sword consists of a gilt stirrup guard; the langets are embossed with a crown and anchor motif. The sword has a lion's-head pommel and back-piece, the mane extending halfway down the back-piece. The sword has a blue and gold sword knot with a round tassel with a gold fringe and eighteen gold bullions. An anchor and cable motif is embroidered on each side and executed on a blue ground inside a small oval shield with a cable edge. This was the regulation sword knot for commissioned officers between 1805-1827.

The black fish-skin grip is bound with three gilt wires. The flat-back, straight steel blade has a single broad fuller running nearly to the point, which is double-edged 13mm from the end. Both sides of the blade are engraved with floral decoration and naval emblems, but the blade is not damascened. The black leather scabbard has two gilt lockets, with rings, and a chape. All are heavily chased with floral designs and leaves.

Admiral Alfred Luckraft's name was put down for service aboard HMS 'Monarch' in 1799 and he was present at the Battle of Copenhagen. As a midshipman aboard HMS 'Mars' at the Battle of Trafalgar he was wounded in the leg. As a Lieutenant he served in HMS 'Blonde' at the reduction of Morea Castle in 1828. He is mentioned in dispatches, and was created a Knight of the Legion of Honour and awarded the Order of the Redeemer of Greece. His flag rank appointments were all granted on the retired list. He also received a gratuity from Lloyds Patriotic Fund as a consequence of his wounding at Trafalgar. He died on the 11th December 1871.


http://www.nmm.ac.uk/collections/displayRepro.cfm?reproID=E1081&picture=2#content

1 Comments:

  • Hi Ian,
    I don't know how extensive your tree is but Alfred bought the grave at Ford Park cemetery in Plymouth for his son Edward Alfred. Alfred is also buried in the same grave and his wife Sophie Anne is commemorated on the headstone, although she does not appear to be recorded as buried in the tomb. Zelie Virginie Anne is also buried there.
    PAT LUXFORD (Mrs)
    Heritage Advisor
    Ford Park Cemetery Trust

    By Blogger Pat Luxford, at 3:55 pm  

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