This is a good example of a scarce Wilkinson variant 1846 pattern Royal Navy officer’s sword. The sword has a solid half-basket guard, instead of the usual folding side guard and the scabbard is fitted with a sprung locking catch that passes through the guard below the quillon. The sword was made in 1907 during the reign of King Edward VII.
The 800mm single-edged blade has a flat spine above a broad single fuller and tapers to a double-edged spear point. The spine bears the Wilkinson serial number 41652, indicating that the sword was made in 1907.
The blade is etched with rope fouled oak leaves and acorns above and below a crown and the Royal Navy fouled anchor motif. The forte is etched with the retailer’s details, Gieve, Matthews & Seagrove Ltd. London, Portsmouth & Devonport. The obverse of the blade bears fouled oak leaves and acorns and the royal coat of arms – a lion and unicorn rampant and the motto, “Dieu Et Mon Droit.” The forte bears the Royal Warrant. The blade is clean and bright with just a few small patches of tarnish and very shallow pitting.
The ricasso bears the maker’s details, Henry Wilkinson Pall Mall London. The obverse bears a hexagonal Wilkinson “Best Quality” proof stud.
The Wilkinson variant solid half-basket hilt is in very good condition. The bowl of the guard bears the Georgian crown and fouled anchor of the Royal Navy. The detailed lion head pommel has the lion’s mane flowing along the back strap. The shagreen of the grip and the twisted copper wire wrap are in good condition. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The brass mounted black leather scabbard is original to the sword and is in good condition. The locket bears a shield containing the details, Wilkinson gun and sword maker, Pall Mall, London. The side of the locket has a sprung locking catch that mates perfectly with a slot below the quillon of the guard. The sword sheaths and draws well and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very good example of a hard to find, Wilkinson P1846 variant, Edward VII Royal Navy officer’s sword.
