The 1827 pattern Rifle officer’s sword is usually found with an 1845 “Wilkinson” pattern blade. This scarce variant has a blade of the 1892 pattern. The sword was made in 1901 during the early months of King Edward VII reign.
The 822mm single-edged blade has a broad and deep central fuller giving it a dumbbell cross-section for the first half of its length. From the mid-point, the blade has a triangular cross section and tapers to an 85mm double-edged spear point. The blade was service sharpened for use during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). The blade is 22mm wide at the ricasso with an 8mm thick spine.
The blades is etched with foliate and geometric patterns above and below a crowned shield and the strung horn of the Rifle Regiment. The obverse of the blade is similarly etched and includes the crowned cypher of King Edward VII (1901-1910). The spine bears the serial number 4521. The ricasso bears a brass proof stud bearing a crown above the word “Proved.” This proof stud was in use by Hawkes & Co. of Piccadilly, London. The obverse ricasso bears the retailers details, “Samuel Brothers, Outfitters. 65 & 67 Ludgate Hill. London.
The plated blade as some small nicks to the fighting edge but is in overall excellent condition.
The Gothic steel guard incorporates an oval cartouche containing the crown and strung horn of the Rifle Regiment. The guard is bright and rust free and the plating is in overall excellent condition. The shagreen grip is in excellent condition and the twisted wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its 1899 pattern leather scabbard that was introduced on the eve of the Anglo-Boer War. The 1899 pattern scabbard has a plated metal mouth piece and drag. The P1899 scabbard was replaced in 1901 with the pattern that is still in use today. This enables the dating of the sword to early 1901. The scabbard is in overall great condition. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is an excellent example of a scarce 1892 bladed Edwardian Rifle officer’s sword.
