1845P Victorian British Infantry Officer's Sword, rare version, sold

In good overall condition, a rare fullered but with quill point blade version of the 1845 pattern British infantry officer's sword.

Given the quill point, tablet style etching, leather and gilt scabbard with rose, you could almost safely bet this sword was made in the year 1845 itself. Normally you never find a quill point on the 1845 fullered blade, you do here. This variant has another peculiarity to a standard 1845P as well; it is has a sold hilt, no folding section, which almost certainly was the officer owner's choice / direction (folding guard hilts are notoriously week). So, if you are into having rare variants in your collection, this is a must have.

Marked to Moore & Co 14 St James's Street in the maker's tablet on the forte / ricasso of the blade, this also ties the sword to 1845, as the year after is when Moore & Co moved to Pall Mall.

The 32 1/2 inch blade is worn but in good condition and firm in the hilt. The gilt on brass hilt (gilt mostly worn away) is also in good condition. The fishskin grip is in good order, though the twisted grip wire bindings have suffered (we believe they are worth replacing as this is such a rare variant of the 1845P). The leather and gilt metal scabbard is a real bonus in such good condition given its age. OK, the leather section near the chape has a taped repair (does not show too much as the leather is patent leather). The sword sheathes and draws well.

A great find and buy. Please quote item reference I67 (1066). Further / full sized images available upon request.