In good condition, a Victorian British Royal Artillery Named Officer’s Wilkinson Sword
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Serial number 15403 for 1867, this is the mid-Victorian British Royal Artillery Officer’s Wilkinson Sword of Charles Henry Ellison Adamson who was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the RA on the 8th January 1868; Google search results for him. He served with the Royal Artillery during WW1 as a Colonel and was a published lepidopterist (expert collector in butterflies). Later he became Assistant Commissioner and Chief Magistrate in Mandalay British Colonial Burma before returning to Britain. Adamson was clearly an assertive officer with common sense as his sword, bearing his name “C H E Adamson” etched to the blade and has a leather, not fishskin grip. The photo of him (file reference copy) is when he retired as a Colonel.
The 34 1/4 inch blade is well etched and in very good condition for its age; some patina patches, minimal wear. Blade firm in hilt. The hilt / guard with some age (light spotting, etc.) is nonetheless good. The leather grip is good but with active service wear (the section under the pommel has a wear related small patch loss), plus only a single twisted grip wire binding (the main one) remains. The leather sword knot may well be a Boer War / WW1 era replacement; good but aged and worn. The leather field service scabbard is also a likely replacement of the same age; it is good for age / active service use but scuffed / worn etc. The sword sheathes and draws well.
Great sword, interesting officer with research potential. Just £600. Please quote item reference ZW07. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 2084 111 x 17 x 17 (2.404).
