This rare 1857 pattern Royal Engineer field officer’s sword is etched to the Engineer & Railway Transport Volunteers. First commissioned on the 21st January, 1865. The Engineer and Railway Transport Volunteers were a corps consisting of railway managers and civil engineers, specialists in road, railway and port design and construction. The corps main duties were to plan and coordinate railway movement of troops. The corps' HQ was at Westminster, London.
The 830mm single edged blade has a wide fuller on both sides below a flat spine. The blade terminates in a spear point and is etched with multi-foil and ogee arches and foliate scrollwork above the winged lightning bolts of the Royal Artillery & Royal Engineers. Surmounting the winged lightning bolts is the legend “Engineer & Railway Transport Volunteers.”
The obverse of the blade is etched with arches and foliate scrollwork over the crowned Royal cypher of Queen Victoria. Above the ricasso the blade bears the coat of arms of the Royal Family, showing a lion and unicorn rampant with the motto “Dieu et Mon Droit.”
The ricasso bears the proof disk of George Alfred Pillin, a renowned London Maker. Pillin used this proof disk between 1870 and 1893. The obverse ricasso bears the cutlers details, Leckey, Browne & Co., 143 Regent St., London. W.
The blade is in excellent condition with only a few small patches of very pale tarnish. The etching is clear and bright.
The acanthus leaf guard is in excellent condition and retains its original gilt finish. The shagreen covered grip is in excellent condition and the twisted wire binding is intact and tight. The brass back strap has the crosshatched thumb rest and pommel characteristic of the Engineer pattern sword.
The sword is complete with its Field Officer’s gilt brass scabbard with two suspension rings. The scabbard is in excellent condition and retains its gilt finish. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a great example of a rare Mid-Victorian Engineer & Railway Transport Volunteers field officer’s sword from a top British maker.
