An officer's commemorative dress sword with 18ct gold hilt and handle, IK IM, London 1802, the guard with presentation inscription to Lieut Col'n Smith, the leather scabbard with gold mounts, together with a citation appointment of George Smith to Lieutenant General and dated 1778, 98cm long, the blade 82cm long/Note: George Smith began his military career in 1778 as ensign in the 25th Regiment of Foot; his early career included service in Corsica but it was not until 1799 that he was nominated Lieutenant Colonel of the 20th Regiment. On his appointment he immediately went to Holland where he was mentioned in Sir Ralph Abercromby's official despatch following the defence of Crabbendam against a superior force. He was again mentioned in despatches following the 1801 excursion to Egypt 'The cool and spirited conduct of Lt Col Smith, and the corps and detachment under his command, is well deserving of praise...' At the close of the Egyptian campaign, Smith and his regiment travelled to Malta en route to England and it was there that the presentation of the sword was made. In a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Ross, he states of his brother officers that 'They request your acceptance of a sword...May you have the health to wear it, and, when you draw it in defence of your king and country, may it be the good fortune of the 20th to be under your command.' He was knighted in 1807 and shortly afterwards appointed aide-de-camp to his majesty. Colonel Sir George Smith died 15/2/1809 while on a diplomatic mission to Cadiz, aged 48. Born in Guernsey, he married Carterette de Havilland, daughter of Sir Peter de Havilland. He left a widow and two daughters of whom one married A.F.Dobree and the other Joshua Priaulx. A memorial tablet stands at the Town Church of St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands