This 1854 pattern Northumberland Fusiliers sword was made by Septimus John Pillin in 1894 and presented to Percival Spearman Wilkinson on his promotion to Captain in 1894.
Major-General Sir Percival Spearman Wilkinson KCMG CB (1865-1953) was commissioned into the 5th Regiment of Foot (Northumberland Fusiliers) in 1883 at the age of 18. He initially joined a volunteer battalion before earning a commission in the regulars of the Northumberland Fusiliers and had a distinguished military career, he was colonel of the Northumberland Fusiliers from January 1915 to July 1935.
The 835mm, 1892 pattern thrusting blade is 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, double-edged spear point. The blade was service sharpened.
The blade is etched with foliate scrollwork and the ribboned dedication, “PRESENTED TO CAPTN WILKINSON BY THE NON-COMD OFFICERS OF B COMPANY, 1ST V.B. – N.F., APRIL 1894.” The forte bears the Royal Arms of Queen Victoria.
The obverse of the blade is etched with foliate scrollwork and the rayed crown and cypher of Queen Victoria over the Rifles’ strung horn and the flowers of the union. The royal coat of arms is etched above the ricasso.
The ricasso bears the brass proof disk of S. J. Pillin. The obverse ricasso is etched with the retailer’s details, Hobson & Sons, 1, 3 & 5 Lexington St., London.
The blade is in good condition with some tiny nicks to the forward edge, faint scratches and light wear to the etching.
The brass 1854 pattern Gothic guard is in good condition and bears the cypher of Queen Victoria above the flowers of the union. The shagreen grip is in good condition with two of the original three strands of wire remaining. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is accompanied by a steel scabbard with twin suspension rings and a mounting bar to the back. The scabbard is in good condition, free of dents and has a salt and pepper patina. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a rare presentation sword to a popular young officer who initially joined as a volunteer then went on to command the Northumberland Fusiliers.
£595.00
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