EL6285 - This is a wonderful 1845 pattern infantry officer's sword by Dudley of Portsmouth, with a few unusual features. The first and most important feature to mention is the scabbard, which is made in the style of a brass and leather scabbard, except it is steel instead of leather (deliberately blued to look dark like patent leather). The next interesting feature is the lack of proof slug. This probably indicates that the sword was made very soon after the 1845 pattern blade was introduced, before proof slugs were widely adopted. Next up is the service sharpening, which is stringent in its execution, and the edge has been brought to a severe single bevel, remaining quite sharp still (it has removed a bit of the etching to achieve the single bevel however). Lastly is the original sword knot, still in place as it has been for over a century. This sword is in great condition, with the blade being in original polish, with almost perfect etching, except where it has been sharpened in period. The hilt is in equally good condition, with everything present and the folding drop working well. The sword must date to close to 1845 and perhaps the Crimean War at the latest. It was, presumably, carried on active service. Everything remains tight and it's a lovely example not only to look at, but also in the hand.
