1895P Wilkinson Infantry Officer's Sword, Grenadier Guards blade, sold

A scarce 1895 pattern British infantry officer's Wilkinson sword with earlier Grenadier Guards blade, the blade in very good condition, the hilt in average condition; officer identified.

This is the sword of Colonel Frederic Hambleton Custance, commissioned into the Grenadier Guards in 1863, who became Colonel of the 3rd Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment in 1896. This mirrored by the sword, with a Wilkinson Sword blade, serial number 12802 (confirmed on the Wilkinson sales ledger as having been sold to "F Custance Esq" on the 22nd September 1863, then being rehilted into the correct 1895 pattern hilt for an infantry officer as he became in 1896. The blade in very good condition, etched with battle honours and regimental device for the Grenadier Guards, plus the Victorian royal cypher. A truly excellent sword for refurbishment if desired!

Frederic Hambleton Custance was quite a colourful, well connected, if not unfortunate fellow. He owned a well appointed trout hatchery and farm in Norfolk, and he filed a criminal libel complaint which lead to a prosecution against the husband of his own child / daughter. There is much research that can be done regarding this person and this case!

The 32 inch blade is in very good condition and firm in the hilt. The hilt has suffered over the years, with plating spot loss and some rust. The grip is overall good, both fishskin grip and twisted grip wire bindings. Original sword knot is good order. The steel scabbard with some staining and dings but overall good. The sword sheathes and draws well. A great sword with plenty of history. Please quote item reference number G97. Further / full sized pictures available upon request.