This British cavalry sword is designated as the Heavy Cavalry Pattern 1896. The sword was made in the late 19th Century.
The un-etched 890mm blade has a thick, slightly rounded spine and is double-edged for the last 220mm, terminating in a spear point. The spine is 10mm thick at the ricasso, tapering to 6mm before becoming double-edged. The edges have been service sharpened and the lack of decorative etching indicates that this sword was intended for active service as opposed to ceremonial wear.
The ricasso bears the etched maker details of Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London, along with the Royal Warrant. The obverse ricasso bears a brass proof stud showing a crown above the word “proved.” The proof stud was in use by Wilkinson during the 1880’s. The spine is faintly marked “London Made.”
The blade is in overall excellent condition, bright and clean with only a small patch of speckled pitting along the edge mid-way down on one side and two tiny patches on the spine.
The pierced steel bowl guard is of the “scroll” or “honeysuckle” pattern and retains much of its original plating. The shagreen grip is in great condition and the twisted wire binding is intact and tight. The back strap is fully chequered and incorporates a chequered oval pommel with tang button. The steel of the hilt is in good condition with service related wear to the plating. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its leather covered wooden service scabbard. The scabbard is in poor condition with service and age related damage, cracking and loss to the leather. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very good example of a late 19th Century British Heavy Cavalry fighting sword, let down by the condition of the scabbard but a great sword non-the-less.
