ELC1077 - A rare gilt steel scroll hilted Royal Engineers officer's sword, by Wilkinson. With an early serial number (6358), this dates to 1855. However, this sword is an enigma because the proof book entry (see photo) does not seem to match this sword. I have searched other possible numbers to account for human error, but not managed to find any likely match in the records. If we look at the ricasso, which is slightly shortened, it seems very likely that this beautiful gilt steel scroll hilt was probably a later replacement hilt (presumably replacing an earlier brass regulation infantry hilt). The sword blade itself predates the introduction of the brass scroll hilt for Royal Engineers in 1857, so it's possible that this gilt steel version was added to meet the new regulation appearance. The sword is in fantastic condition, with a bright very good blade, firm in the hilt, excellent hilt with very tidy grip, all housed in a heavy brass scabbard (which itself has the usual dings from use that nearly all brass scabbards have). A very desirable version of this popular pattern, with research potential (if you like a challenge!).
