Antique Swords .Com Display Cases
 

 

 

 

Victorian 1821P British Heavy Cavalry Officer's Wilkinson Sword, sold

In good condition, one of the first Henry Wilkinson swords ever made, an 1821P Victorian British heavy cavalry officer's sword serial number for early 1854 (made just prior to the Charge of the Heavy Brigade).

Victorian 1821P British Heavy Cavalry Officer's Wilkinson Sword,image F23 1

Sold Item Notice

Henry Wilkinson started his company in 1854 and each of his swords, unless made for the War Department, has a serial number on the spine. He started at serial number 5000. This 1821P heavy cavalry officer's sword's serial number is 5183. It may well have been used at the successful Charge of the Heavy Brigade (which took place just before the infamous failure of the Charge of the Light Brigade) on the 25th October 1854. In any event, as one of Henry Wilkinson's first ever swords, it is a highly collectible and sought after piece.

image F23 3 Henry Wilkinson Pall Mall London

image F23 2

The 35 inch blade has been well preserved courtesy of the steel scabbard it has been sheathed in for many a year. The blade was sharpened by Wilkinsons or another professional, so the blade etching is in good order and untouched by some field sharpening circle. Blade firm in the hilt. The hilt has not been protected from the atmosphere over the years and consequently has rusted, though comparatively lightly (now treated with penetrating oil). However, the hilt is still very sound. The fishskin grip shows signs of use and age, but is good, as are the twisted grip wire bindings. Like the hilt, the scabbard has suffered somewhat from the moisture in the atmosphere, but is solid. The sword sheathes and draws well.

Regretably, the Wilkinson sales ledger does not record who the original owner was. However, a very scarce sword. Further / full sized images available upon request. Please quote item reference number F23 (883)

image F23 4

  Copyright © Antique Swords .Com (formerly SwordSales EU / Antique-Swords EU) - All rights reserved