1821 / 1896 Pattern Officer's Wilkinson cavalry sword
 

This sword was in a terrible state...blade heavily rusted and the guard/handle/strap and pommel covered in black paint :( .....which was covering silver/grey paint :( :( .

Took the 'bull by the horns' and started on the blade. Using a dremmel with a small circular brass wire brush I removed some of the rust layer. Carefully trying to avoid the etched designs (which were not very 'obvious'). Later using very fine 'wet and dry' paper and lots of water I have been able to clean further without ruining the etching :) .

As to the hilt, paint stripper, a small paint brush, tooth picks and caution (especially with the rayskin) allowed me to remove the black paint....to reveal silver/grey paint below. This too was carefully removed. I've still a little more cleaning to do....but is much improved :) :cool:

The blade is sharpened ....so hopefully has seen active service. Any ideas to age.....Edward VII 1899-1910 but was hoping that the Pall Mall address could pin point it more accurately ??

Any ideas as to how to condition the rayskin....the cautic paint stripper has dried it a little ?
All comments gratefully received, thank you

David

The grip is fishskin. I use a little olive oil.

Ian

Thanks Ian, had seen on the web several recommendations for olive oil but wanted to make sure.

Kind Regards David

Hi David :)
No number on the blade spine?

Hi 'Nando :) ,
yes a serial number 39,000 + , I have another Wilkinson Cavalry sword....I am seriously thinking of contacting the archive (around £17 per sword) to see if they have any further details. Has anyone used this service before ?

Kind Regards David

PM sent ;) .

Hello David,
I have used the service several times. Richard Milner will only charge you if he can find the original purchaser details. Recommended.

Ian

Thank you Ian for your informed recommendation ....will be contacting them soon.

Kind Regards David

Nice work.
I have contacted the archive also once.
For a sword that in the end went to another buyer. :(
Fortunately that buyer was also willing to buy from me the archive print at costsprice :)
I also came quite far with finding personal details on the owner.
So give it a try, and let us know.

Best regards,
Willem

I thought I would show this photo of the Wilkinson's Pall Mall outlet ...reproduced with permission from Robert Wilkinson-Latham. Due to the time period ... this is where my sword originaly was sold from :cool:

Kind Regards David