A Most Fine Presentation 2nd Manchester, 33rd Lancashire Rifle Volunteers Antique Victorian Sword of 1869

Presented to Captain Henry Lewis Rocca, [Later Colonel of the regiment] by the members of No.10 Company. This sword was likely presented by his volunteer company on his promotion to captain in November 1869. Stunning bright polished steel fittings, revealed after over 12 hours of no expense spared, specialist artisan hand conservation, and an absolutely amazing condition deluxe presentation blade with mirror bright finish.
He was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1831, and came to England in 1851, he settled in Manchester and in 1857 became a naturalised British subject. Later he became the principal of a firm of merchants and shippers. He joined the 2nd Manchester 33rd Lancashire Rifle Volunteers, the Ardwick Corps in the summer of 1866 and, although offered a commission, he insisted on drilling in the ranks until he became proficient.
He was appointed Lt on 19th November 1866. Capt on 3rd November 1869, Maj on 10th January 1877 and Lt-Col 10 Jan. 1885.
He was one of the first recipients of the first
issue of the Volunteer Officers' decoration. he died on the 27 Dec. 1916.

Henry Rocca aged 43 took over command as Colonel of the Ardwick Corps in December 1885, the headquarters were still in the original old house at 1 Ardwick Green. One of his first priorities was the provision of a proper home for the Volunteers. It was decided that the most sensible and practical course was to buy the existing building which had been their HQ for so many years and at the same time acquire the free-hold of the site. Rather than carry out the usual methods of raising funds for such a
project by soliciting donations and holding fund-raising bazaars, Colonel Rocca generously provided the necessary funds at a low rate of interest. This to be repaid out of the Government capitation grants as circumstances permitted, and this arrangement was sanctioned by the War Office, allowing planning to proceed

Manchester and its neighbouring townships were no strangers to the raising of volunteer soldiers and their mustering for war.
Following the capitulation of 'Gentleman Johnny' Burgoyne's army on 17 October 1777 at Saratoga there were many offers of armed and financial assistance from patriotic citizens. Manchester raised the 'Royal Manchester Volunteers' or 72nd Regiment of Foot who serve with distinction in the garrison of Gibraltar throughout the siege 1783. There was much local enthusiasm both to subscribe money and to this Regiment. Within four months the Regiment had been completely officered, equipped and was ready for service. All of this was from local resources. In 1793 the outbreak of yet another war with France produced a wave of s enthusiasm, resulting in the formation of a Manchester Military Association raising of the Royal Manchester Volunteers or 104th Regiment of Foot.

The fear of invasion saw the raising of two battalions of Manchester and Salford volunteers in February 1797. In 1798 Colonel Ackers raised a second Volunteer Regiment.
Enthusiasm continued and in December there was a proposal to raise yet another body of men to be known as The (Town's Own) Loyal Regiment of Infantry

Code: 24302