I offer for sale an extremely fine, British, P.1845 General Staff Officer’s Infantry sword, by Henry Wilkinson (serial number 23723) issued to Medium General Staff Officer Arbuthnott in c.1880.
The blade was mounted the records tell me on 9th June 1880.
 
The superb 33 ¼ inch long, Pattern 1845, Steel blade is in virtually ‘As New’ condition with all it’s original factory polish and nickel plating intact. The acid etching is lovely and clear and shows as it’s motifs, cartouches containing scrolling foliage; a Crowned crossed baton and sword above a laurel wreath; the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria; and the Prince of Wales Ostrich feathers within a cartouche with the words “By Appointment” beneath. Finally at the blade forte are the cutler’s details “Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London”. The serial number 23723 is clearly visible on the flat back spine of the blade at the ricasso. The blade has no damage or distortion whatsoever.
 
The gilt brass hilt of this sword is in very fine condition and the shagreen grip covering all intact. The ‘Gothic’ decorated bar guard is undamaged and still bears a high polish. There is cartouche in the middle of the guard a crowned cross sword and baton of a General Staff Officer. The hilt and the blade are totally solid, no movement whatsoever, like new!
 
This sword comes with it’s original Wilkinson made, brass scabbard, which still retains a high polish. Two ‘loose’ suspension rings are mounted to the scabbard. It bears only three very minor dents to it, virtually in ‘As New’ overall condition. Just one throat screw missing.
 
An exceptionally fine Victorian sword, made for a named General Staff Officer of the British Army, which most certainly warrants further research.