This is an excellent example of a Victorian, Crimean War period British 1845 pattern infantry Field officer’s sword made by George Alfred Pillin between 1845 and 1854.
The 822mm 1845 “Wilkinson” pattern blade has a flat spine with a half-width fuller running for two-thirds of its length. The blade terminates in a spear point and is crisply etched with panels of scrolling foliage above and below Queen Victoria’s crowned Royal cypher. The ricasso bears the cutler’s name and address, “Gobby & Co, Leicester St. & Regent St. London.” The obverse ricasso bears the brass proof disk of George Alfred Pillin, of whom Gobby & Co. were a trade customer.
The blade is in excellent condition, free of rust and damage and with only minimal age related discolouration to the polished steel.
The Gothic brass guard is in great condition and retains its gilding. An oval within the guard bears Queen Victoria’s cypher above the Flowers of the Union. The guard’s folding section has a good, crisp action. The shagreen wrapped grip is in very good condition with minor age related discolouration. The twisted copper wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its senior officer’s gilded brass scabbard with twin suspension rings and a bar on the top ring mount. The scabbard is in excellent condition and retains its gilding. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very fine example of a senior infantry officer’s sword, dating to the time of the Crimean War and by one of Victorian England’s top makers.
