This 1892 pattern infantry officers' sword was made by the Wilkinson Sword Company and according to the serial number, was produced in 1890. It would appear that the serial number is a mistake as the 1892 pattern had not yet been developed in 1890. The sword would have been made between 1892 and 1893.
The British 1892 pattern sword is scarce, the factory mis-stamped serial number makes this sword additionally interesting and quite rare.
The 820mm 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 pattern blade is the ultimate thrusting design and its use continues today with the current, 1897 pattern hilt.
The blade is in excellent condition and the etching is deep and crisp. 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. The ricasso bears the maker’s details, “Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London.” The obverse ricasso bears Henry Wilkinson’s HW proof stud.
The spine bears the Wilkinson serial number 30353, giving an erroneous production year of 1890.
The Gothic brass hilt is in great condition and retains most of its gilt finish. The guard bears the crowned VR cypher of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). The back strap has a smooth thumb rest with raised, stylised acanthus decoration towards the pommel. The tang is peened through the stepped oval pommel. The shagreen grip is in excellent condition and the twisted wire is 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 very good condition with only some very shallow pitting on the drag. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of an 1892 pattern infantry officer’s sword with a rare Wilkinson factory mis-stamped serial number.
