This is an excellent example of a Victorian 1854 pattern infantry officer’s sword made by Henry Wilkinson in 1889. The sword bears the owners initials and the Wilkinson serial number, facilitating research into the owner and his military career.
The 845mm 1845 “Wilkinson” pattern blade has a 10mm flat spine with a broad fuller running for over two-thirds of its length. The blade terminates in a spear point and is deeply etched with panels of scrolling foliage above and below a rayed crown and the cypher of Queen Victoria. A scrolled banner on the forte bears the owners’ initials, “J. A. T. T.” The obverse of the blade is etched with similar foliate panels and the crowned cypher of Queen Victoria. The forte is etched with the Prince of Wales crown and three feathers with the motto, “Ich Dien.” The ricasso bears the maker’s details, “Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London.” The spine bears the Wilkinson serial number 29589, dating the sword to 1889.
The blade is in excellent condition with the exception of numerous tiny edge nicks. The blade was service sharpened. The high-quality etching is clear and the blade is free of rust and retains its original polish.
The Gothic brass guard is in excellent condition and retains its gilding. An oval within the guard bears the cypher of Queen Victoria above the Flowers of the Union. The shagreen wrapped grip is in excellent condition and the twisted copper wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in very good condition with a mild speckling of tarnish. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very fine example of an researchable 1854 pattern infantry officer’s sword by one of Victorian England’s top makers.
