ELC1061 - A stunning and rare Wilkinson Patent Solid Hilt 1897 pattern sword, etched to the Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) and carrying the officer's crest (for the Neville family). This sword has not been researched, partly because very unusually the proof number has been mis-stamped on the spine! The first digit is an upside down '2', but given that this is an 1897 pattern sword with a Victoria Regina cypher, it must date to 1897-1901. The first digit must therefore have been intended to be a '3', which might mean the proof book contains the entry for this sword at 36799 (not checked), putting the manufacture date in 1899. If this is the case, then the officer in question might be Bertram Neville of the RMLI, from New Zealand, who commissioned in Sept 1898 and was promoted to Lieutenant in July 1899 (he served in both the Boer War and WW1). The sword is an absolutely top quality and great condition example, very rare being etched to the RMLI and also being a Patent Solid Hilt. Everything is solid and tight, the grip and wire are in good condition, some patina to the pommel, the guard with good plating and high polish. The blade is very clean with crisp etching. I doubt I will ever have another RMLI patent hilt.
