EL6806 - A scarce Royal Dockyard Battalion officer's sword by Wilkinson (pre-numbered). This is a rare sword to encounter and I have only seen a few of them over the years. The dockyard battalions were formed in 1847 when the development of steam-powered vessels provoked worries about the vulnerability of England to invasion. A Royal Commission recommended strengthening the defences of the Royal Dockyards, namely Portsmouth, Devonport, Pembroke, Sheerness, Chatham and Woolwich. All of the officer's swords I have seen for these battalions were made by Wilkinson, and must date to these early years between 1847 and 1854, because all those I have seen were pre-numbered. They are based closely on the 1846 pattern Royal Navy officer's sword, but with dark shagreen for the grip and a steel scabbard. This example is in average to good condition. The hilt is all good, firm on the tang, with good shagreen and wire. The blade is mostly good, but with some areas of pitting near the tip. A nice solid sword in the hand and Wilkinson's excellent quality manufacturing.
