LT CMDR CHARLES GOODEVE'S ROYAL NAVY DRESS SWORD

the half basket hilt inscribed on the thumb piece C.F. GOODEVE R.N.V.R., 31in. etched regulation blade, scabbard and chamois-lined travel case -- 39in. (99cm.) overall

Sir Charles Frederick Goodeve O.B.E. (1904-1980) was a research chemist born in Canada but won a scholarship to study at UCL in 1927. An active member of the R.N.V.R., he was promoted to Lt Cmdr in 1936 and began turning his attention to naval issues. When war broke out he was transferred to the navy's gunnery and mine research establishment H.M.S. Vernon where he developed the principal method to counter the threat of magnetic mines and which essentially girdled a ship's hull with electrical pulses in opposition to their natural field, effectively cancelling it out - he called it 'degaussing' after the German scientist, whose name was used for a unit of magnetism, and the name stuck. It was used on over 10,000 allied ships during the war but was expensive and he developed a cheaper method called 'wiping' in which ships trailed magnetised cables - the British 'wiped' 400 ships in four days before D-Day alone. He was then transferred to the Department of Miscellaneous Weapon Development (DMWD) where he devised plastic armour and the 'hedgehog', a forward-thrown anti-submarine weapon for which he was appointed his O.B.E. By 1942 he was running the Navy's research and development strategy and created a special branch for India to deal with specialised problems faced in the East. In 1946 he was knighted and awarded the U.S. Medal of Freedom with Silver Palm.

Condition Report

Fine overall condition.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.