EL6176 - This is a government contract sword, made by Wilkinson, marked with the ISD stamp and a date in 1900. Presumably imported by government contract for an Indian officer, or to be held in the regimental armoury for the use of an Indian officer. That it is the 1845 pattern and dated to 1900 is curious, as generally Indian infantry officers switched to the 1895 and 1897 pattern swords at the same time as British Army officers, though Indian sergeants retained the 1845 pattern until after 1900. In any case, this example is made by Wilkinson, in solid condition and with bright steel and brass. The etching on the blade is clear and the VRI (Empress of India) cypher is evident to both hilt and blade. The hilt is tight on the tang and it is together with its scabbard. A nice condition sword and not a common find with these markings.
