This Victorian Rifle officer’s sword was made in Birmingham by Robert Mole between 1866 and 1889.
The 836mm straight, single-edged blade is a later Victorian example of the 1845 “Wilkinson” pattern. Earlier 1845 pattern blades were slightly curved. The blade has a flat spine above a broad single fuller and tapers to a double-edged spear point. The spine is 8.5mm thick and the blade is 26mm wide at the ricasso. The swords’ point of balance is 135mm forward of the guard. The blade is in very good condition with minimal age and use related marks.
The blade is etched with Queen Victoria’s crowned royal cipher amidst foliate scrollwork panels. The obverse of the blade has the Rifle Brigade’s strung horn. The ricasso is etched with the retailer’s trademark, a steam ship containing the word “Steamer.” Steamer were a Birmingham based retailer operating from 1860.
The obverse ricasso bears the brass proof stud used by Robert Mole and Son between 1866 and 1889.
The Gothic steel guard is in good condition and incorporates an oval cartouche containing the crowned, strung horn badge of the Rifle Regiment. The guard is bright and rust free with minimal age-related tarnish. The shagreen grip is in good condition and the three strands of wire intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its steel scabbard with two suspension rings. The scabbard is in good condition with a speckled patina. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a late Victorian Rifle officers sword.
