EL6237 - An exceptional Victorian infantry officer's sword by Wilkinson, which was carried through the Boer War by an officer of the Royal Sussex Regiment, who achieved the rank of Colonel.
Featuring an 1845 pattern blade, which in 1895 was updated with the new regulation hilt, having a steel guard and fully chequered backstrap. The blade, in excellent condition, bright and with deep etching, crisp in most parts, is firm in the hilt and has had the point re-profiled to make it more pointy than the standard 1845 spear point. It has also been well service sharpened. The spine of the blade is numbered 24602 (Wilkinson proof record attached), made in 1881 for J. G. Panton. The maker's name and address are mostly polished out, but the rest of the etching is good.
Colonel John Gerald Panton of the Royal Sussex Regiment was commissioned in 1881, made Captain in 1891 and Major in 1900. He was with the 1st Battalion in the Anglo-Boer War from 1899 to 1900, taking part in the march from Bloemfontein to Pretoria, including the engagements at Welkem Farm and Diamond Hill; he was present in the subsequent march into the Orange River Colony, including the operations around Bethlehem and in the Caledon Valley, the engagement at Retief's Nek and the surrender of the Boer forces at Golden Gate on 1 August 1900. Panton also took part in the operations around Thabanchu, Winburg and Lindley, and in the engagements at Bothaville and Ventersburg. He went on to serve with the regiment after the Boer War and died in 1915.
This is a rare opportunity to obtain a sword which is not only a very nice piece in its own right, but has an absolutely cast iron provenance and fascinating history, having been without doubt carried in war and in several specific named Boer War actions of historical importance. Absolutely tons of research potential.
