EL6817 - An intriguing late-Victorian infantry officer's sword by Wilkinson, with a 7/8th Inch wide blade. Some would call this a piquet (dress) weight sword, but those are generally narrower than this. The record (numbered 30109) shows that this sword was sold to the Army & Navy Stores (a shop/outfitter) on 1 January 1890. By 1890 a lot of things were changing (and about to change) in the world of officer's swords, and it had become increasingly common for infantry officer's to have 1 inch wide blades instead of the old 1 1/8th Inch. I think this sword therefore sits within that pattern, and being numbered must have received Wilkinson's proof test. The proof disc has here been replaced by an etched Wilkinson emblem, and that was how they dealt with blades under 1 inch which could not really fit the proof disc without weakening the blade. The hilt is standard regulation 1845 type, but slightly more slender, in balance with the lighter blade. It is full length and regulation in other ways. The blade is clean and bright, with good deep etching. The hilt is in good condition and firm on the tang. The original scabbard fits the sword perfectly and sheathes well.
