This rare British 1892 pattern infantry Field officer’s piquet weight sword bears the Royal cypher of Queen Victoria and dates to between 1892 and 1895. The gilt brass scabbard identifies the sword as having been the property of an officer of Field rank. Field officers are officers ranked as either Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel or Brigadier.
The 825mm thrusting blade was a new pattern for the British army, being of dumbbell form, the first third of the blade having a symmetrical dumbbell-like cross section with a flat spine and belly and a short central fuller. The blade has a wedge-shaped cross section for the last two-thirds of its length and terminates in a narrow spear point. The 1892 blade is the ultimate thrusting design and its use continues today with the current, 1897 pattern hilt.
The blade is in near mint condition and is etched with the royal cypher of Queen Victoria, crossed laurel and palm fronds and foliate scrollwork.
The ricasso bears the maker’s details, E. Thurkle, Maker. Soho, London. The obverse ricasso bears Edward Thurkle’s brass proof stud.
Being of piquet (also known as levee) weight, the blade is only 19mm wide at the ricasso. Levee or piquet weight swords were intended for wearing at social functions, such as balls (levees) or for wearing during peacetime piquet (guard) duty.
The Gothic brass guard bears an oval cartouche containing Queen Victoria’s Royal cypher. The guard is in excellent condition. The hilt’s back strap is knurled for the first half, with the rear portion having acanthus style decoration flowing into the stepped oval pommel.
The sword is complete with its original gilt brass scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in excellent condition.
This is an excellent, near mint example of a rare 1892 pattern senior officer’s levee sword that would have been worn for social and peacetime duty occasions.
