Victorian 1895P British Infantry Patent Solid Hilt Wilkinson Sword, sold

In good condition, a Victorian 1895P British Infantry Patent Solid Hilt Wilkinson Sword, the former property of C.E. Wilson of the East Lancashire Regiment.

Serial number 32190 for June 12th 1893, the blade would therefore have originally been mounted into a brass gothic 1854 pattern hilt and then rehilted with the new steel 1895 pattern hilt at a later date. The Wilkinson sales ledger confirms the original sword / blade was sold to C.E. Wilson, E. Lancs. Regiment, which verifies the initials etched on the blade of "CEW". We know he made the rank of Captain and may have then changed regiments. We also know he, with this sword, was at the Battle of Omdurman and served as president of the military court that tried and sentenced to death Hendrik Jacobus van Heerden as a rebel in South Africa / the Boer War.

The 32 inch blade is overall very good but with some now inert rust; the etching is mostly still very clear, except for the Wilkinson logo. Blade firm in hilt / grip, of course. The plated steel hilt has turned light amber with age with rust spots here and there, but is sound / good overall. The composite grip with part blade tang exposed is in good condition. The plated steel scabbard has also aged as the hilt but is good and sound. The sword sheathes and draws well.

A Wilkinson Patent Solid Hilt with full provenance for just £? (too late, now sold) is a great deal. Please quote item reference number W22 (1140). Further / full sized pictures available upon request.