This is a great example of a scarce British 1892 pattern sword made by Edward Thurkle of London between 1892 and 1895.
The 815mm thrusting blade is of dumbbell form, the first third of the blade having a symmetrical dumbbell-like cross section with a flat spine and belly and a short central fuller. The blade has a wedge-shaped cross section for the last two-thirds of its length and terminates in a narrow spear point. The 1892 blade is the ultimate thrusting design and its use continues today with the current, 1897 pattern hilt.
The blade is in good condition, bright and clean only a few small patches of tarnish. The forward half of the blade was service sharpened and retains its fighting edge. This was most likely done for deployment during the Mahdist War (1881-1899).
The blade is etched with arches and foliate scrollwork above the crowned royal coat of arms and crossed laurel and palm fronds. The obverse is similarly etched and includes the crowned cypher of Queen Victoria above crossed laurel and palm, bracketed with foliate scrollwork and arches. There is some mild wear to the etching. The ricasso bears the maker’s details, “E. Thurkle, Maker. Soho, London.” The obverse ricasso bears a Thurkle proof stud.
The Gothic brass hilt is in good condition and retains its gilt. The guard bears the crowned VR cypher of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). The back strap has a knurled thumb rest with raised, stylised acanthus decoration towards the pommel. The stepped oval pommel is finished with a button through which the tang is peened. The shagreen grip is in good condition with mild use and age-related wear. The three strands of twisted copper wire are intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its polished steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in good condition with one small ding above the shoe. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very fine example of an increasingly hard to find 1892 pattern infantry officer’s sword.
