ELC1088 - A very rare patent solid hilt 1845 infantry officer's sword (probably dating to c.1845-1860), retailed by Webb, and named to a Captain Wilkinson. Not only is it rare to find a patent solid hilt that is not from Wilkinson or Reeves, but this is also a very scarce example of a shagreen gripped patent tang. I cannot be certain of the maker, but I suspect it might be George Alfred Pillin, as I have seen Pillin marked swords of this period with the same proof disc as this, and to me it has the look of Pillin's work - additionally, Pillin was one of the few makers making patent solid hilts. This is a robust sword weighing just over 1000g, with a chunky blade and thick hilt. It is in great condition, with patina, but good deep and clear etching. Everything is firm and the folding drop works well. I have not researched Captain Wilkinson, so there is lots of research potential. Complete with scabbard.
