This is an great example of a Victorian, Crimean War period British 1845 pattern infantry Field officer’s sword.
The 826mm 1845 “Wilkinson” pattern blade has a flat spine with a half-width 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 Queen Victoria’s crowned Royal cypher. The Royal coat of arms and motto, “Dieu Et Mon Droit” is etched above the ricasso which bears the cutler’s name and address, “Marshall & Co, St. James’ St. London.” The obverse ricasso bears the brass proof disk showing the letter P below the word “proved.”
The blade is in very good condition with only minimal age related speckles of tarnish towards the point and a few tiny dings/nicks along the edge. The blade was professionally re-plated in the past.
The Gothic brass guard is of the fixed 1845/54 pattern and is in great condition, retaining its gilding. An oval within the guard bears Queen Victoria’s cypher above the Flowers of the Union. The shagreen wrapped grip is in very good condition and the twisted gilt 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. The scabbard is in excellent condition and retains its gilding. 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.
