ELC1074 - A rare private purchase cutlass by Wilkinson, in excellent condition. Wilkinson are known to have made cutlasses and swords for private batch orders and this was probably made for a private vessel of some sort. It has a rack number on the scabbard, which suggests that it was a relatively large vessel, such as a merchant schooner or steamer. The cutlass is based on the 1889 pattern, which gives us a dating probably in the 1890s or beginning of the 1900s. Instead of the Royal Navy version, this features a brass ribbed grip and brass hilt fittings. Also, unusually, it has a sprung retaining catch and button, which locks it into the scabbard until the button is pushed - similar to police swords of the time. In excellent condition, though with a bit of rust on the inside of the guard needing attention. A rare piece that looks and feels great.
