This rare Edward VII Army Officers’ sword has a 840mm piquet weight single edged blade. The blade has a single fuller on each side and a rounded spine tapering to a double-edged spear point.
The width of the blade is 18mm at the ricasso.
The blade is frost etched with the crowned Royal Arms, Edward VII Emperor of India cypher, laurels and scroll-work. The ricasso is etched with the cutler’s name “Ranken & Co. Calcutta” indicating that the sword was purchased by an officer serving in India while King Edward VII was emperor. The spine of the sword bears the maker’s inscription “J. R. Gaunt Late Edward Thurkle. London.” The obverse ricasso bears the brass proof disc of Edward Thurkle.
The blade is in good condition with minor patches of age related tarnish. The etching is crisp and clear and the blade is firm in the hilt.
The ¾ plated steel guard is pierced with scroll and floral work and bears the Crowned Edward VII Emperor of India cipher. The fish skin grip is in excellent condition as is the wire binding.
The steel scabbard is in fair to good condition without dents or damage. The scabbard has areas of tarnish and retains most of its original plating. The sword sheaths and draws well and is held firmly in the scabbard. This is a rare example of an Army officer’s levee sword from the days of the Raj.
