An example of the British 1845 Pattern Light Infantry Officer’s Sword, manufactured by the renowned Wilkinson & Son, Pall Mall, London, and dated 1855, placing it squarely within the period of the Crimean War (1853–1856). This model was a regulation issue for officers of light infantry and rifle regiments, featuring a distinctive Gothic hilt and single-edged blade with a fullered design.
This sword features a steel guard with pierced gothic scrollwork, incorporating the stringed bugle and crown of Queen Victoria, and a shagreen-covered wooden grip bound with original twisted wire. The blade bears a visible etching of Wilkinson’s name and address, as well as the Wilkinson proof slug, and retains faint traces of foliate and military motif etching. The spine of the sword is stamped “6545”, which dates the blade to 1855 and, in turn, to the Crimean War era, according to known Wilkinson serial numbers.
The 1845 pattern blade measures approximately 82.5cm, with a slightly curved profile and spear point, suited for both cutting and thrusting – a design carried through much of the Victorian era. Complete with its original steel scabbard featuring twin hanging rings, this sword would have been carried by an officer during Britain’s major 19th-century overseas campaigns.
Condition: Good – the etching is still clearly visible with patches of rust and some small nicks on the blade. The scabbard was previously painted silver, although mostly removed, some patches remain. Some portions of the shagreen grip are absent.
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