This Victorian, Crimean War (1853-1856) period British 1845 pattern infantry field officer’s sword was retailed by Linney of London between 1846 and 1854.
The 810mm slightly curved, “Wilkinson” pattern blade has a flat spine above a wide single fuller that runs for two-thirds of its length. The spine is marked with a centre of percussion arrow. The blade is double-edged for the last 250mm and terminates in a spear point. The blade is etched with multifoil and ogee arches above foliate scrollwork. Below is the rayed and crowned cypher of Queen Victoria above scrolled foliate work and inverted arches. The obverse of the blade is similarly etched.
The ricasso bears a brass proof disk showing a central star below PROVED. This is probably a blade imported from Solingen, Germany.
The obverse ricasso bears the retailers’ details, “Linney. London.”
The blade is in good condition and was sharpened for active service. The etching is clear and the blade has a pale patina with pale speckles of tarnish mainly towards the point.
The Gothic brass guard is in good condition with age and use related wear to the bars and slight deformation of the central arch where it meets the Royal cypher. The guard is of the earlier 1822 pattern with the folding section. An oval within the guard bears Queen Victoria’s cypher above the Flowers of the Union. The guard’s folding section has a good, crisp action. The shagreen wrapped grip is in good condition with age related colouration. The twisted copper wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its senior officer’s gilt brass scabbard with replaced suspension rings. The scabbard is in poor condition with small dings and a split in the metal towards the bottom. The split has an old braised repair which could do with being re-done as the current join is weak. The scabbard throat is missing its screws. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and despite the damage, is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an honest Crimean War period field officers’ sword.
