In good condition, a Hawkes & Co 1897p Victorian British Infantry Officer’s Sword
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Hawkes, a quality maker and it shows. An unusual one in that it has a Wilkinson scabbard and a period, no doubt original officer made modification to the felt scabbard stopper on the blade’s forte/ ricasso; he’s added a small leather ring, no doubt to secure the blade firmly when fully sheathed. This all suggests that the officer had a plated steel dress scabbard but needed a field service leather scabbard to go off and serve in the Boer War. Serial number 5546. Etched “Hawkes & Co Piccadilly London” to the blade’s ricasso / forte.
The 32 1/4 inch blade in very good condition, some light plating age crazing lines, one nick, firm in the hilt. The plated hilt / guard with some small plating erosion / aging specks is nonetheless good. The black fishskin grip with some wear is still also good; the associated twisted grip wire bindings are down to the main strand (the lesser strands are gone), probably due to wear / use. The leather field service scabbard is aged but still good. The sword sheathes and draws a little loosely, not much.
Interesting sword in VGC overall, just £400. Please quote item reference ZZ47. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1726-102x15x14 (1.398)
