A rare, brass hilted Victorian Staff Sergeant’s sword probably dating to the period of the Crimean War (1853-1856).
The 732mm slightly curved blade has a flat spine above a broad single fuller and terminates in a quill point. The blade is double-edged for the last 200mm and has been repeatedly service sharpened, resulting in honing wear to the point.
The blade is unadorned and in fair condition with age related tarnishing and shallow pitting. No maker or inspection and ownership marks are apparent, probably having been polished out.
The brass guard is of the Gothic pattern with its folding section in good working condition. The guard shows some small dings and scratches and mild deformation of the bars consistent with the swords' age and working life. An oval cartouche displays Queen Victoria’s Royal cypher. The solid, as opposed to pierced style of the monogram of the cypher suggests that the maker may be Hawkes & Co., with a post 1850 production date. The grip resembles that of the P1845 officer’s swords but is cast brass as opposed to shagreen wrapped wood. The hilt is in overall good condition and the blade is firm.
This is a reasonable example of a rare and hard to find Victorian Staff Sergeant’s sword.
