This is an excellent example of a Victorian, Crimean War period British 1845 pattern infantry Field officer’s sword made by George Alfred Pillin between 1845 and 1854.
The 830mm slightly curved, “Wilkinson” pattern blade has a flat spine above a wide single fuller that runs for two-thirds of its length. The blade is double-edged for the last 260mm and terminates in a spear point. The blade was professionally service sharpened and is crisply etched with panels of scrolling foliage above and below Queen Victoria’s crowned Royal cypher. The ricasso bears the cutler’s name and address, “Woolf, Old Bond St. London.” Benjamin Woolf acquired the lease to 45 Old Bond Street in 1830. The premises are now the home of the prestigious diamond merchants, De Beers.
The obverse ricasso bears the brass proof disk of George Alfred Pillin.
The blade is in excellent condition, free of rust and damage and with only a few small patches of age related discolouration towards the point.
The Gothic brass guard is in great condition and 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 minor age related wear and discolouration. 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 twin suspension rings and a bar on the top ring mount. The scabbard is in very good condition with a small dent on either side below the second suspension ring band. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very fine example of a senior infantry officer’s sword, dating to the time of the Crimean War and by one of Victorian England’s top makers.
