This “best quality” British 1897 pattern infantry officer’s sword as made by the Wilkinson Sword Company, London in 1916.
The 820mm single-edged blade is of dumbbell form with a short, central fuller on both sides and a slightly rounded spine tapering to a double-edged spear point. The spine is stamped with the Wilkinson serial number 54883, dating the sword to 1916 and potentially enabling the identification of the sword’s original owner.
The blade is in near mint condition and crisply etched with foliate scroll-work surrounding a rayed Georgian crown, the royal coat of arms and King George V Royal cypher above a laurel wreath and bow. The obverse is similarly etched.
The ricasso is etched with the royal warrant and maker’s name, Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall. London. The obverse ricasso bears Henry Wilkinson’s hexagonal, “Best Quality” proof stud. The blade retains its original leather washer and is firm in the hilt.
The steel bowl guard is of 1897 pattern and bears the royal cypher of George V and pierced foliate design. The plating is in very good condition with minor losses. The knurled steel back strap has an oval pommel and rounded tang nut. The shagreen grip is in very good condition as is the twisted silver wire binding.
The brown leather covered field scabbard is in good condition and remains strong with all the stitching intact. The scabbard has minor use related scuffs and marks and the leather frog strap is missing. There is some damage to the shoe of the scabbard caused by it being stood on its end for a long period. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly in the scabbard.
This is a very good WW1 example of a Wilkinson best quality infantry officer’s sword made in 1916 by Henry Wilkinson.
