EL6250 - A top quality Indian Army officer's sword by S. J. Pillin, dating to 1881-1892. Carrying the VRI cypher to both blade and guard, we can say that this was for an officer in the Indian Army (probably a British officer, or a wealthy Indian officer). The blade has been service sharpened and it carries the etched initials of the officer, so given the Indian Army and narrow date field, it should be possible to pin down who they were. The service sharpening hints at an interesting military career. The sword itself is top quality and the blade features unusual and extra-detailed etched decoration. The blade is bright, with crisp etching and is firm in the hilt - it has a little area of pitting near the tip on one side (pictured). The hilt is also in good condition, with the shagreen all present though the grip wire is entirely gone (perhaps deliberately). This quality and interesting sword is also complete with an Indian Army style scabbard, having top and bottom steel mounts quite different to normal British Army scabbards, the leather being rather worn and with a little loss. A great sword with excellent research potential.
