A rare Victorian 1857 pattern Royal Engineer officer’s sword made by Benjamin Thurkle and retailed by Sherlock & Co. This sword was made between 1857 and 1864.
The 810mm 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 winged lightning bolts with the words “Royal Engineers.” The obverse of the blade is etched with Queen Victoria’s crowned Royal cypher above a flaming grenade and the royal coat of arms showing a lion and unicorn rampant with the motto, “Dieu et mon droit.”
The ricasso bears the cutler’s details, “Sherlock & Co. King Street, Covent Garden. London.” Sherlock & Co. were button makers and outfitters and used this form of address from 1847 until 1887. The obverse ricasso bears a brass proof stud used by the maker Benjamin Thurkle until 1864 enabling the dating of the sword to within a seven-year period.
The blade is in very good condition with clear etching. There are two tiny edge nicks and the blade has a very pale patina.
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 steel scabbard missing its suspension rings (easily replaceable). The scabbard is in good condition with a couple of small, shallow dings above the shoe. The steel has a great patina. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a great example of a rare 1857 pattern Royal Engineer officer’s sword.
