This British 1822/1856 pattern artillery officer’s sword was made by Robert Mole of Birmingham. The sword was retailed by Prowse of Brixham, Devon.
The 835mm blade is single-edged with a flat spine over a broad, three-quarter length single fuller. This is the “Wilkinson” pattern blade that was adopted by officers of the Artillery in the 1850’s. Prior to that the Artillery adhered to the 1821 pattern light cavalry officer’s sword with a pipe-back blade.
The slightly curved blade terminates in a spear point and is double-edged for the final 270mm. The blade was service sharpened and is in good condition with speckles of tarnish a few small patches of shallow pitting and wear to the etching.
The blade is etched with scrolled foliate panels above the winged lightning bolts of the Artillery and the legend, “Volunteer Artillery.” The obverse is etched with royal cypher of Queen Victoria amidst foliate scrollwork.
The ricasso bears a Robert Mole brass proof stud showing the word “PROOF” with crossed laurels above and below. The obverse ricasso is etched with the retailer’s details, “Prowse, Brixham.”
The three-bar steel guard and shagreen covered grip are in good condition with slight wear. The inside of the guard has cleanable tarnish. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its regulation steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in good condition with a small circular dent on one side below the top suspension ring band. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a mid-19th Century Victorian Volunteer Artillery officer’s sword.
