This early British P1845 infantry officer's sword has an etched, 82.5 cm slightly curved blade and was made by George Pillin. The blade is single edged and has a flat spine and a broad single fuller on both sides. The blade is an early Wilkinson 1845 pattern. This blade ends in a spear point. The blade is service sharpened and retains its edge. The last 20 cm of the top edge is also sharpened.
The blade is etched on both sides with acanthus panels and the crowned cypher of Queen Victoria. The blade is in good condition with small patches of mild age related tarnishing and some pitting at the point. This is a robust fighting sword. The spine is 8 mm thick at the ricasso and the ricasso is 25 mm wide. The ricasso is etched with the cutler's name and address: "Nash, Saville Row, London." The obverse ricasso bears the early proof stud of George Alfred Pillin, father of Septimus Pillin. The company of George and Septimus Pillin was later absorbed into the Wilkinson Sword Company.
The barred gothic guard is the earlier 1822 pattern with a folding section. The brass guard bears the Royal cypher of Queen Victoria above the Flowers of Union, the rose, thistle and shamrock. The guard has a great age patina.
The ray skin hilt is in excellent condition with a twisted copper wire and two strands of plain copper wire. The hilt's back strap has acanthus style decoration flowing into the stepped pommel with a flattened tang button. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The brown leather covered wooden field scabbard is a rarity. Leather field use scabbards were developed in India and it is possible that this is where the sword saw service. The leather is in overall very good condition with scuffs and stains consistent with use. There are minor surface cracks where the leather has dried but the leather itself is strong. The stitching is intact and sound and the scabbard has a metal drag. The strap for securing the scabbard into the frog has been broken towards the end.
The sword sheaths and draws well and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a great example of a Victorian Infantry officer's 1845 pattern sword.
