ELC1082 - Rare patent solid hilt Thurkle Gurkha Rifles sword (42nd Bengal Native Infantry) of Augustus Keith Abbott. This is firstly an exceptionally rare sword, being a patent solid hilt made by Thurkle, and secondly has an absolutely fantastic service history, having been taken on active service throughout the 1870s, from 1871 until 1880 pretty much constantly (including being Mentioned in Despatches). And of course it has the illustrious Gurkha association. Please see the attached images detailing Abbott's fascinating service record - there is a lot of research to be done there. The sword itself, despite a decade of active service, is in great condition. The grip, with its trademark full width exposed tang, is very good and complete. The guard and backpiece are in very good shape and finish, with the original sword knot even present. The blade, which is 33 inches long and straight, is equally in very good condition, with bright finish and very crisp and detailed etching. It has been service sharpened, and still has a sharp tip. The service sharpening interestingly only starts from the Centre of Percussion mark until the tip, so presumably with the straight blade we can presume that Abbott was a firm believer in the thrust! The only slight flaw I can mention to this sword is that the wooden liner in the scabbard is a bit dislodged and so it is sometimes a bit fiddly to sheath. Otherwise, and absolutely wonderful mid-Victorian sword which is notable on several counts.
