A rare and much sought after Victorian 1857 pattern Royal Engineers sword. The P1857 was carried exclusively by officers of the Royal Engineers and was in use for only a short period. In 1900, new Army Dress Regulations required Royal Engineers officers to adopt the standard 1897 infantry pattern sword. This superior quality sword was made between 1857 and 1864.
The 825mm, single edged blade has a wide fuller on both sides below a flat spine. The blade is double-edged for the last 270mm and terminates in a spear point. The blade is beautifully etched with foliate and floral scrollwork, Queen Victoria’s crowned Royal cypher and a field gun. The ricasso bears the cutler’s details: “Berdoe, 53 Cornhill. London.” Berdoe traded from this address until 1864.
The obverse bears foliate and floral scrollwork and the winged thunderbolt motif, etched above and below with the words “Volunteer Engineers.” The forte bears a blank cartouche to enable the owner to have their name or in initials engraved. The obverse ricasso bears a brass proof disk within an etched six pointed star. The disk depicts a fleur de lys below the word “Proved.”
The blade is of superior quality with deep, crisp etching and remains in excellent condition.
The brass, acanthus leaf guard is in very good condition. The brass back strap has the crosshatched thumb rest and pommel characteristic of the Engineers pattern sword. The shagreen grip is in excellent condition and the three strands of copper wire are intact. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its original steel scabbard with two suspension rings. The scabbard is in great condition. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a fantastic, early example of a scarce Royal Engineers pattern sword in near parade condition.
