A rare Victorian 1857 pattern Royal Engineer officer’s sword marked to the 1st Hants Engineers and retailed by A B Clayton of Southampton. The 1st Hampshire Engineer Corps was formed in 1862 and was responsible for the port defences of the south coast of England.
The 825mm single-edged “Wilkinson” pattern blade has a deep three-quarter length fuller below a flat spine. The blade terminates in a double-edged spear point.
The blade is etched with foliate scrollwork above and below the winged lightning bolts of the Engineers, with the words “1st Hants Engineers.” The obverse of the blade is etched with Queen Victoria’s crowned Royal cypher. The blade is un-sharpened.
The ricasso bears the cutler’s details, “A. B. Clayton. Southampton” The obverse ricasso bears a brass proof stud showing a Fleur de Lys below the word PROVED.
The blade is in very good condition with clear etching. There is a very small patch of shallow pitting on either side at the point and some tiny spots of tarnish, mainly towards the point.
The brass, acanthus leaf guard and shagreen wrapped grip are in good condition and the copper wire binding is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its polished steel scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition with a few small spots of tarnish and some minor scratches. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a rare 1857 pattern Engineer officer’s sword.
