This Victorian Rifle officer’s sword was made by Edward Thurkle between 1892 and 1899 and is in great condition.
The 840mm single-edged blade is of the 1892 pattern. The blade has a broad central fuller and tapers to a double-edged spear point.
The blade is etched with Queen Victoria’s crowned royal cipher over crossed laurels. Arched panels and foliate scrollwork complete the decoration. The obverse of the blade has the Rifle Brigade’s strung horn below a crowned, black cartouche. The ricasso is etched with the maker’s details, “E. Thurkle. Soho, London.” The obverse ricasso bears Edward Thurkles’ brass proof stud. The blade is in fantastic condition.
The Gothic steel guard is in very 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 a pale patina. The shagreen grip is in excellent condition and the three strands of copper wire are intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The steel scabbard has a German silver throat and two suspension rings. The scabbard is in great condition with some small patches of tarnish. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a Victorian Rifle officer’s sword. While Rifles swords are relatively common, finding one in this condition is not easy.
