A scarce British 1895 Pattern Victorian army officer’s sword made in London by Edward Thurkle. The P1895 was the predecessor of the 1897 pattern which remains the current British army sword.
The 1895 pattern sword was produced for less than 2 years before being replaced with the 1897 pattern. The main difference between the two patterns is that the P1897 has the inner edge of the guard turned down to prevent excessive wear to the officers' uniform. The beaked quillon is more pronounced on the earlier 1895 pattern and the half basket guard has larger gaps between the scrollwork and cypher, giving it a more open and to my mind aesthetically pleasing look. Both patterns utilise the 1892 pattern thrusting blade.
The 838mm thrusting blade is of dumbbell form, having a symmetrical cross section with a slightly rounded spine and belly and a short central fuller. The blade becomes wedge shaped for approximately two-thirds of its length and terminates in a narrow spear point. The blade is in very good condition with three small spots of flaking to the plating, two of which are at the point. The blade is etched with scrolled foliate panels, a rayed crown and the Royal coat of arms over crossed laurel and palm fronds. Below this, a cartouche contains the owner’s initials. The obverse is similarly etched and includes the crowned cypher of Queen Victoria. There is some polishing wear to the etching. The blade retains its original leather washer.
The ricasso bears the faint maker’s details, “E. Thurkle. Maker. Soho, London.” The obverse ricasso bears the brass proof stud of Edward Thurkle, a famous London maker.
The steel half basket guard has pierced foliate scrollwork surmounted by the cypher of Queen Victoria. The guard is in good condition with some very mild tarnish. The knurled back strap is finished with an oval pommel and tang button. The ray skin grip is in good condition and the wire is intact and tight.
The sword is complete with its polished steel scabbard with twin suspension rings and German silver throat. The scabbard is in very good condition. The scabbard is without dents or damage.
This is a very good example of a scarce Victorian P1895. An increasingly hard to find sword.
