This is a great example of a scarce British 1892 pattern sword made by Thurkle of London between 1901 and 1910.
The 825mm thrusting blade is of dumbbell form, the first third of the blade having a symmetrical dumbbell-like cross section with a flat spine and belly and a short central fuller. The blade has a wedge shaped cross section for the last two-thirds of its length and terminates in a narrow spear point. The 1892 blade is the ultimate thrusting design and its use continues today with the current, 1897 pattern hilt.
The blade is in excellent condition with minimal age related discolouration and is deeply etched with panels of foliate scrollwork, the royal coat of arms and Edwardian crown above crossed laurel and palm fronds. The obverse is similarly etched and includes the crowned cypher of king Edward VII above crossed laurel and palm, all bordered with intricate geometric and foliate scrollwork. The ricasso bears the retailer’s details, “C. Thurkle, Soho, London. W.G.”
The Gothic brass hilt is in good condition. The guard bears the crowned ER VII cypher of King Edward VII (1901-1910). The knurled back strap is finished with an oval pommel and button. The shagreen grip is in good condition with minimal use and age related wear. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its early pattern brown leather field scabbard with German silver throat. The scabbard is in good condition, missing its frog strap and with slight damage to the shoe and some loss to the original polished finish. The stitching is intact and strong. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very fine example of an increasingly hard to find 1892 pattern sword.
