This is an excellent example of a Victorian 1845/54 pattern infantry General Officer’s sword made by Benjamin Thurkle between 1845 and 1864 and retailed by Pulford & Co, London.
The 820mm 1845 “Wilkinson” pattern blade has a flat spine with a broad fuller running for two-thirds of its length. The blade terminates in a spear point and is etched with panels of scrolling foliage above and below a rayed crown and the laurelled sword and baton emblem of General Officer rank. The obverse of the blade is etched with similar foliate panels and the crowned cypher of Queen Victoria.
The ricasso bears the cutler’s details, “Pulford & Co, 65 St. James’s St. London.” The obverse ricasso bears the makers’ proof disk; a six-pointed star above a dot and below the word “Proved,” associated with Benjamin Thurkle between 1836 and 1864.
The blade is in excellent condition, free of rust and damage and with minimal age-related discolouration to the original polish.
The Gothic brass guard is in excellent condition and retains its gilding. An oval within the guard bears the crossed sword and baton of General’s rank. The shagreen wrapped grip is in excellent condition and the twisted copper wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its polished steel scabbard with twin suspension rings and a bar on the top ring mount. The scabbard is in very good condition with a small, shallow ding below the top ring mount. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a very fine example of an infantry General Officer’s sword by one of Victorian England’s top makers.
