EL6901 - A good, fairly early, Wilkinson infantry officer's sword, 1845 patter. While the blade is numbered (dating to August 1861), the sword was sold to Messrs. Hunter & Guthrie, who were sword cutlers, army tailors and military outfitters with premises at 12 Cork Street, Bond Street, London. The blade does have initials etched on it, which appear to be either WJC or WH, I am not certain. Another clue to attributing this sword is the brass scabbard, which probably relates to an infantry officer of Major or higher rank in 1861, when the sword was purchased. The blade is quite bright, with minimal patina and crisp etching. The edge seems to have been service sharpened at some point and there are a few very small nicks in the edge. The brass hilt is in generally good condition, with a bit of a dent to the front of the knucklebow and a small crack in one branch of the brass (pictured). There is a little bit of movement to the backpiece, but the hilt is fairly firm otherwise. The grip shagreen is worn from use, but 90% complete and the thinnest strands of the grip wire are gone, while the main strand remains. The brass scabbard has the usual dents and creases that these guards get in period use, and the top throat is missing. A top quality sword, with period wear and potential for improvement, with a research challenge for the next owner.
