EL6899 - The 1845 pattern infantry officer's sword of Edward William Frederick Acton (1834-1920), 76th Regiment of Foot. He was the son of Lieutenant Colonel Edward Farrar Acton and Mary Anne Suckling. He attended the Royal Military College, was commissioned as an Ensign into the 76th Regiment on 5 Dec 1851, promoted to Lieutenant on 13 July 1855, promoted to Captain on 10 May 1861, and retired from the 76th in July 1864. The regiment was posted to various places during this time, including Ireland, Canada and India. Acton latterly joined the 1st Royal Cheshire Militia (presumably in late 1864), retiring in 1875. He died at the Leasowes, Tasley, on December 30, 1920, aged 86. This is a fairly rare example of a pre-numbered Wilkinson (presumably dating to 1851, when he was commissioned) where we can attribute the sword to the officer without any doubt, because despite lacking the proof number present on swords from 1854, we have four initials and the family crest, which can only match this one individual. The sword itself is in very good condition overall. The blade is generally bright and clean, with only minor blemishes and a little surface rust on one side near the tip (requires cleaning), the etching deep and crisp. The blade is firm in the hilt and has been service sharpened. There is one small nick in the edge. The hilt is in very good condition, all tight and with the folding drop section working well, the grip shagreen and wire excellent. The original full dress sword knot even remains, though with the acorn missing. The original steel full dress scabbard present, with a few dents from wear and would benefit from a clean up. A fantastic example of a pre-numbered Wilkinson with lots of scope for further research.
