This Victorian Volunteer Rifle’s sword was retailed in London by Firmin & Sons around 1860.
The 816mm single-edged blade is of the 1845 “Wilkinson” pattern. The blade has a flat spine above a broad single fuller and tapers to a double-edged spear point. The blade is in good condition with minimal age and use related marks and a pleasant, pale patina.
The blade is etched with the Rifle Brigade’s strung horn with ribbons containing the words, Volunteer Rifles. The obverse of the blade has Queen Victoria’s crowned royal cipher amidst foliate scrollwork panels. The ricasso is etched with the retailer’s details, Firmin & Sons, 153 Strand, London. The obverse ricasso bears a Firmin & Sons proof stud.
The Gothic steel guard is in good condition with small spots of tarnish and a small area of pitting on the knuckle bow near the pommel. The guard incorporates an oval cartouche containing the crowned, strung horn badge of the Rifle Regiment. The smooth back strap has a knurled thumb rest and ends in a stepped oval pommel and tang button. The shagreen grip is in good condition and the three strands of wire are intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its 1901 pattern brown leather covered scabbard. The well-fitting scabbard suggests that the sword was in use into the early 20th Century. The scabbard is in good condition and the stitching is intact and tight. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a Victorian Volunteer Rifle officer’s sword.
