Victorian British Named Infantry Officer’s Wilkinson Sword, Sold

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1854 Pattern slightly curved blade (serial number 18132 for 1871), 1895 Pattern hilt; so the officer had the blade of his existing sword rehilted to the current pattern in 1895-1896. The Wilkinson sales ledger confirms the officer’s name etched on the blade as Arnold Champion (no regiment specified and our cursory research did not identify him); researchers!

Thanks to AL of the USA. It appears that this sword belonged to Arnold Hyde Urquhart Champion. Arnold Champion was originally a part of the 34th Regiment of Foot, having been given Leuitenant in 30 December 1871. Arnold serves with the 34th until ’83 or ’84 and transfers over to The Prince of Wales Leinster Regiment 100th/109th. Arnold Champion retires as a Major in 1900/01.

The 32 1/8 inch well etched (Wilkinson logo worn away) blade has patina patches and wear, but remains good and firm in the hilt. The guard is good but has (inert) light surface rust on the inside face. The fishskin grip is fairly good one side but has several, quite large patches of loss the other; the silver metal twisted grip wire bindings are fairly good (some lesser strand turns are astray). The steel scabbard quite good; the sword sheathes and draws well enough.

NB The blade is slightly curved but the scabbard is straight; this did happen and we believe the scabbard is original (dates to 1895-1896) but do not warrant it.

Good sword with research potential at just was £? (too late, now sold), so grab it quick! Please quote item reference ZX07. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1988 108 x 16 x 15 (1.89).