In very good condition, an 1895P Victorian British Infantry Officer’s Wilkinson Sword
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Serial number 14345 for 1866, the blade pre-dates the 1895P hilt and is likely to be a family blade (passed from father to son, etc). rather than the same officer’s due to the number of years passed. Initials “G A W” to the blade likely to have been done by / for the new owner officer circa 1895 to 1897 (1897 when the 1895p hilt / guard was replaced with the 1897p – identical but for the later having the inner guard section turned down to prevent tunic fraying), as the style is not in the style of the blade’s original etching.
NB The original sword the blade was in was apparently sold to a GAW Forrest Esq on the 23rd May 1866; a copy of the Wilkinson sales ledger entry can be purchased from Royal Armouries for £12.
The 32 1/4 inch etched blade is in very good condition, especially when considering its 160 year age, plus firm in the hilt. The guard with small patches of tarnish bordering tiny external plating loss is nonetheless good; the hilt generally also good. The fishskin is faded and somewhat worn but good; the twisted grip wire bindings appear to be all there (but some lesser strands obscured). The plated steel scabbard has small freckles of tarnish and some small patches of plating loss but is still good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
Research potential and a great 1895 pattern British infantry officer’s Wilkinson sword in well above average condition, was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference ZW21. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 2091 103 x 17 x 17 (2.292).
