EL6898 - A good mid-Victorian 1845 pattern infantry officer's sword, retailed by Hobson and made by top maker Pillin. The blade carries the Latin motto and crest for Niven, and indeed there are three initials of the officer etched on the blade, the last of which is N. I have conducted some research, but not been able to 100% pin this to one officer - during the period of this sword (say 1860-1880) there were in fact only three Nivens in the Army Lists of officers, and based on that, I suspect that this is the sword of Assistant Surgeon John Niven, and the first letter etched on the blade does appear how they represented the letter J at this time. I will leave the buyer to carry out the rest of the research, but I see that John Niven MD retired from the Army in 1864 (at which point he was with the 82nd Regiment of Foot). I have not been able to confirm his middle initial, but the initial on the blade looks like an S as the represented it at the time. The sword is in overall good condition, with a bright blade, with some dark stains, but a lot of original polish and crisp frost etching. The blade is firm in the grip, but there is a little bit of movement in the brass guard, presumably due to shrinkage of the leather washer. The grip shagreen and wire is very good and complete. The original scabbard is present, but has been painted at some point. A good quality sword in good condition, to be improved with careful cleaning and research to be done.
