A scarce British 1895 Pattern Victorian army officer’s sword made in London by Edward Thurkle. The P1895 was the predecessor of the 1897 pattern which remains the current British army sword.
The 1895 pattern sword was produced for less than 2 years before being replaced with the 1897 pattern. The main differences between the two patterns is that the P1897 has the inner edge of the guard turned down to prevent excessive wear to the officers' uniform. The beaked quillon is more pronounced on the earlier 1895 pattern and the half basket guard has larger gaps between the pierced scrollwork and cypher. Both patterns utilise the 1892 pattern thrusting blade.
The 825mm thrusting blade is of dumbbell form, having a symmetrical cross section with a slightly rounded spine and belly and a short central fuller. The blade becomes wedge shaped for approximately two-thirds of its length and terminates in a narrow spear point. The blade was service sharpened, probably for the Anglo-Boer War and is in good condition with a few small patches of tarnish. The blade is etched with scrolled foliate panels, a rayed crown and the cypher of Queen Victoria over crossed laurel and palm fronds. The obverse is similarly etched. There is some wear to the etching in places. The blade retains its original leather washer.
The ricasso bears the brass proof stud of Edward Thurkle, a famous London maker.
The steel half basket guard has pierced foliate scrollwork surmounted by the cypher of Queen Victoria. The guard is in good condition with some mild tarnish. The knurled back strap is finished with an oval pommel and tang button. The ray skin grip is in good condition and the wire is intact and tight.
The sword is complete with its steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in good condition with some minor tarnish and wear to the plating. The scabbard is without dents or damage and the sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within.
This is a good example of a scarce Victorian 1895 pattern army officer’s sword. An increasingly hard to find sword.
