30th May, 2024 9:30
Fine Art & Antiques
Captain Ralph Kerr CBE RN (1891-1941), the personally issued 1856 pattern Midshipman's Dirk and scabbard made by Wilkinson Sword for Gieves, Matthews & Seagrove, with lion's head pommel wire bound shagreen grip, acorn tipped quillion and 'fouled anchor' boss, the blade showing some remains of engraved scrolls, the polished black leather scabbard and hangar with gilt brass furniture bearing the gothic monogram RK. 45 cm length of the blade, 59.5 cm overall length of Dirk alone, together with a 1920s tan full hide suitcase with nickel-plated fittings, bearing the name R. Kerr ( Captain R. Kerr C.B.E), 71 cm x 39 cm x 17 cm
Dawsons is proud to be taking to auction an esteemed collection of medals, featuring those awarded to Captain Ralph Kerr, who was in command of battlecruiser HMS Hood. The British battlecruiser was sunk after a ferocious and brief exchange of gunfire with German battleship Bismarck, with the loss of almost every member of its crew (including Captain Ralph Kerr) … Only 3 survived out of 1,418 souls.
Captain Ralph Kerr's legacy is indelibly linked to one of the most significant naval battles of World War II. The Battle of the Denmark Strait took place on 24th May 1941 – poignantly, almost 83 years to the day of the upcoming auction. The medals offered for sale, estimated between £3,000-£5,000, bear witness to his unwavering courage and service to the Royal Navy, his country, and his King.
Sold for £2,500
Condition Report
The blade seems to have been foreshortened by around 1cm and the end of the blade has considerable surface pitting.
The quillions are both bent and the spring clip for the scabbard catch is missing
The stitching on the seam of the scabbard is split
The suitcase has no keys
Captain Ralph Kerr CBE RN (1891-1941), the personally issued 1856 pattern Midshipman's Dirk and scabbard made by Wilkinson Sword for Gieves, Matthews & Seagrove, with lion's head pommel wire bound shagreen grip, acorn tipped quillion and 'fouled anchor' boss, the blade showing some remains of engraved scrolls, the polished black leather scabbard and hangar with gilt brass furniture bearing the gothic monogram RK. 45 cm length of the blade, 59.5 cm overall length of Dirk alone, together with a 1920s tan full hide suitcase with nickel-plated fittings, bearing the name R. Kerr ( Captain R. Kerr C.B.E), 71 cm x 39 cm x 17 cm
The Ralph Kerr Collection
Dawsons is proud to be taking to auction an esteemed collection of medals, featuring those awarded to Captain Ralph Kerr, who was in command of battlecruiser HMS Hood. The British battlecruiser was sunk after a ferocious and brief exchange of gunfire with German battleship Bismarck, with the loss of almost every member of its crew (including Captain Ralph Kerr) … Only 3 survived out of 1,418 souls.
Captain Ralph Kerr's legacy is indelibly linked to one of the most significant naval battles of World War II. The Battle of the Denmark Strait took place on 24th May 1941 – poignantly, almost 83 years to the day of the upcoming auction. The medals offered for sale, estimated between £3,000-£5,000, bear witness to his unwavering courage and service to the Royal Navy, his country, and his King.
