This Victorian Rifle officer’s sword was retailed by H. Benjamin and is in great condition.
The 825mm single-edged blade is of the 1845 “Wilkinson” pattern. The blade is slightly curved with a flat spine above a broad single fuller and tapers to a double-edged spear point. The spine bears a centre of percussion arrow mark. The blade is double-edged for the last 270mm.
The blade is etched with Queen Victoria’s crowned royal cipher. Arched panels and foliate scrollwork complete the decoration. The obverse of the blade has a bowed ribbon and the Rifle Brigade’s strung horn below a blank, shield-shaped cartouche. The ricasso is etched with the cutler’s details, “HY. Benjamin 36 Late 20, St. Marys Axe. London.” The obverse ricasso bears a brass proof stud with the word “PROVED” over a dot. The blade is in excellent condition and the etching is crisp and clean with minor, pale speckles of tarnish and some very shallow pitting towards the point.
The Gothic steel guard is in very good condition and incorporates an oval cartouche containing the crowned, strung horn badge of the Rifles. The guard is bright and rust free. The shagreen grip is in excellent condition and the three strands of copper wire are intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The steel scabbard has a German silver throat and two suspension rings. The scabbard is in great condition and is without dents or damage with only minor shallow pitting (it can barely be felt when running a finger over it) and speckled tarnish. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent, well above average example of a Victorian Rifle officer’s sword.
