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).
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.
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)
|