British WW1 period P1821 Royal Artillery officer’s sword made by the Wilkinson Sword Company, London. This sword was a bespoke order and bears the Wilkinson best quality hexagonal proof stud.
The 865m single edged blade has a slightly rounded spine and wide single fuller on both sides, tapering to a spear point. The blade is deeply etched with the winged lightning bolts motif of the Royal Artillery amidst extensive floral scrollwork incorporation the Flowers of the Union, the thistle, rose and shamrock. The obverse is etched with Flowers of the Union scrollwork surrounding the Royal arms and cypher of King George V above a field gun and Royal Artillery motto, “Ubique.” The blade and etching are in very good condition. The etching is crisp and clear and the blade retains its original polish, marred only by two small patches of tarnish and pitting.
The spine bears the Wilkinson serial number and words “London made.” The centre of percussion is marked on the spine with an arrow between the letters C. P.
The ricasso bears a hexagonal proof disk containing the italicised letters HW. Hexagonal proof disks were developed by the Wilkinson Sword Company and first used in 1905 to indicate best quality. The obverse ricasso bears the maker’s details, Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London below the Royal Warrant.
The 3-bar steel hilt is in good condition with its original plating intact. The ray skin grip is in excellent condition as is the twisted wire binding. The steel back strap has a raised crosshatch grip with a stepped pommel and rounded tang nut. The blade is firm in the hilt and retains its leather washer.
The brown leather covered service scabbard in in good condition and remains strong with the stitching intact. The mouth of the scabbard is made of German silver. There are minor age and use related scuffs and marks to the leather and minor damage to the end of the shoe. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly in the scabbard.
This is a beautiful example of a George V Royal artillery officer’s sword. The Wilkinson serial number can be used to identify the original owner of the sword and their military record and rank.
