The 835mm slightly curved, single edged blade has a flat spine and a broad single fuller on both sides. The blade is a rare transition type blade, mid-way between the Wilkinson pattern blade and the earlier 1822 pattern pipe-back blade and ends in a quill point. The blade was sharpened for action and was sharpened along the last 20cm of the top edge.
The fighting weight blade is without etching and is in good condition with a pale grey patina. The original leather washer is present. The ricasso bears a single crowned inspection stamp and the number “13,” which is the same inspector’s stamp found on P1845/54 transitional blade sergeant’s swords produced by Reeves.
The solid brass guard is the Gothic 1845 pattern that replaced the 1822 pattern folding guard. Although this fixed guard hilt was officially adopted in 1845, earlier examples of fixed guard hilts are to be found, as are later examples with a folding guard.
The guard has a great age patina and bears an oval cartouche containing Queen Victoria’s Royal cypher. The shagreen grip is in generally good condition with patches of wear consistent with use. The grip wire is missing a few strands but is mostly intact and tight. The hilt’s back strap has acanthus style decoration flowing into the stepped pommel with a flattened tang button.
This is a great and honest example of a rare transitional Staff Sergeant’s sword.
