Charge of the Light Brigade, Balaklava, 1854

Bryce · 19th January 2021, 09:36 PM

G'day Jim,
I think Wilkinson began using the proof disc from around 1845 when his "new" blade design was introduced. This period isn't my main area of focus, so someone more knowledgeable may be able to confirm this. Certainly they were used well before 1854. 1854 was when Wilkinson began numbering his swords. Here is the proof disc on Puxley's sword. The Wilkinson example above is pre numbering.
Cheers,
Bryce

Will M · 20th January 2021, 12:46 AM

I have a Wilkinson sword circ 1846-47 with an "HW" disc. David Fitzgerald Longworth led the 31st Regt. of Foot at the Battle of Sobraon.
All field officers were either dead or wounded so the duty fell onto Capt. Longworth. He was promoted Major for gallantry after the battle.
This Wilkinson sword would have been most likely purchased with the field officers brass scabbard after the Battle of Sobraon for his promotion to Major. His will mentions two swords, the other unknown and likely the sword he carried during the battle.

19th January 2021, 09:36 PM	#1
Bryce Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: North Queensland, Australia Posts: 197	G'day Jim, I think Wilkinson began using the proof disc from around 1845 when his "new" blade design was introduced. This period isn't my main area of focus, so someone more knowledgeable may be able to confirm this. Certainly they were used well before 1854. 1854 was when Wilkinson began numbering his swords. Here is the proof disc on Puxley's sword. The Wilkinson example above is pre numbering. Cheers, Bryce Attached Images

20th January 2021, 12:46 AM	#2
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 416	I have a Wilkinson sword circ 1846-47 with an "HW" disc. David Fitzgerald Longworth led the 31st Regt. of Foot at the Battle of Sobraon. All field officers were either dead or wounded so the duty fell onto Capt. Longworth. He was promoted Major for gallantry after the battle. This Wilkinson sword would have been most likely purchased with the field officers brass scabbard after the Battle of Sobraon for his promotion to Major. His will mentions two swords, the other unknown and likely the sword he carried during the battle. Attached Images