A rare and much sought after Victorian 1857 pattern Royal Engineers sword. The P1857 was carried exclusively by officers of the Royal Engineers and was in use for only a short period. In 1900, new Army Dress Regulations required Royal Engineers officers to adopt the standard 1897 infantry pattern sword.
The 835mm, single edged blade has a wide fuller on both sides below a flat spine. The blade is double-edged for the last 260mm and terminates in a spear point. The blade was professionally service sharpened and is beautifully etched with a flaming grenade motif, foliate scrollwork and Queen Victoria’s crowned Royal cypher. A scrolled cartouche is etched with the owner’s initials, HMR. The ricasso bears the maker’s details: G. Robinson. Maker. Birmingham.”
The obverse bears a flaming grenade above foliate scrollwork and the winged thunderbolt motif, etched above and below with the words “1st Durham Engineer Volunteers.” The obverse ricasso is etched with a scrolled banner containing the word “Proved.”
The blade is in very good condition and is free from rust with minor age related wear to the etching and small patches of very shallow pitting towards the point on one side.
The brass, acanthus leaf guard is in very good condition. The brass back strap has the crosshatched thumb rest and pommel characteristic of the Engineers pattern sword. 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 sword is complete with its original steel scabbard with two suspension rings. The scabbard is in great condition with a mild age patina. There is a small, shallow dent on one side below the first suspension ring band. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a great example of a hard to find Royal Engineers pattern sword from an identifiable officer.
