Need learn more about this sword

Jim McDougall · 19th March 2007, 01:21 AM

Spot on Ariel!!!

It does indeed appear to be a Wilkinson blade, the faint vestiges of the Star of Solomon surrounding the typical brass proof plug, and particularly the serial number on the blade back support this. Wilkinson was actually the forerunner in the new form blades that replaced the old pipe back blades used on these swords.....actually this is a pattern 1827 officers sword from a British Rifle regiment (hence the Aztec

powder horn and crown device in cartouche.

Since the new blade was introduced by Wilkinson in 1845, and in 1854 the hinged inner guard was replaced by solid guard.....and a serial number on a Wilkinson sword in 1872 was in the 18776 range, this sword would presumably date c.1860's. The rather flat sheet guard seems consistant with iron hilt swords I have seen of this date range as well.

The blade has of course been dramatically shortened, however the sword itself remains quite handsome, especially with the grip so intact. These swords saw considerable presence in so many British campaigns, although they were not particularly favored as a fighting weapon.

An interesting item, and with Wilkinson's, there are still means of tracing issuance via the serial numbers if I am not mistaken, probably website search.

All the best,
Jim

19th March 2007, 01:21 AM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,453	Spot on Ariel!!! It does indeed appear to be a Wilkinson blade, the faint vestiges of the Star of Solomon surrounding the typical brass proof plug, and particularly the serial number on the blade back support this. Wilkinson was actually the forerunner in the new form blades that replaced the old pipe back blades used on these swords.....actually this is a pattern 1827 officers sword from a British Rifle regiment (hence the Aztec powder horn and crown device in cartouche. Since the new blade was introduced by Wilkinson in 1845, and in 1854 the hinged inner guard was replaced by solid guard.....and a serial number on a Wilkinson sword in 1872 was in the 18776 range, this sword would presumably date c.1860's. The rather flat sheet guard seems consistant with iron hilt swords I have seen of this date range as well. The blade has of course been dramatically shortened, however the sword itself remains quite handsome, especially with the grip so intact. These swords saw considerable presence in so many British campaigns, although they were not particularly favored as a fighting weapon. An interesting item, and with Wilkinson's, there are still means of tracing issuance via the serial numbers if I am not mistaken, probably website search. All the best, Jim