This British 1845/54 pattern infantry officer’s sword was made by the Wilkinson Sword Company of Pall Mall, London. The sword is beautifully etched and bears a family crest and the owner’s initials.
The 840mm single-edged blade has a flat spine above a broad single fuller and is the Wilkinson 1845 pattern. The blade is double-edged for the last 290mm and terminates in a spear point. The spine bears the serial number 29338 which will enable research into the original purchaser.
The blade is in very good to excellent condition with some small nicks along the edge. The etching is crisp and shows foliate scrollwork and arches and the crowned cypher of Queen Victoria. A scrolled cartouche contains the owner’s family crest above a ribbon containing their initials, “A. E. V.” The obverse of the blade is etched with foliate scrollwork and arches surrounding the crowned cypher of Queen Victoria. The forte bears the three feathers and crown of the Prince of Wales above the words “By Appointment.”
The ricasso is etched with the maker’s details: “Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall. London.” The obverse ricasso bears a proof stud showing the italicised initials, HW.
The barred gothic guard is the fixed, 1854 regulation pattern without the earlier folding section. The guard bears the Royal cypher of Queen Victoria above the Flowers of Union – the rose, thistle and shamrock and is in over-all very good condition.
The shagreen grip is in great condition. The three strands of wire are intact. The hilt’s back strap has acanthus style decoration flowing into the stepped pommel with a flattened tang button. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its polished iron scabbard with a German silver throat and two suspension rings. The scabbard is in very good condition. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a British 1845/54 infantry officer’s sword by Henry Wilkinson.
