RickS

Hello Mervyn, Thank you for your help and suggestions. I will post any results that I come up with. Thanks to everyone else who replied. Best regards, Rick S.

Last two photos of the hilt.http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6231-1242146413.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6231-1242146421.jpg

I was thinking that the top crest could denote a "third son" in the family, the lower one would be the family??? Here is a shot of the cipher on the blade.

Proof marking.

Thank you to all who have replied so far. Here is the Wilkinson maker's marks on the ricasso.

Shield on scabbard throat fitting.

Photo of the Royal cipher on the guard.

Hello Mervyn, Thank you for your reply. I will try to find a copy of Burke's Peerage, unless someone has a copy and can post it. I will post some more photos of the sword and scabbard. It does have a gilted brass guard with folding "S" rear guard. The scabbard has a decorated frog stud, in addition to the two hanging rings. In addition to Wilkinson maker's mark on the ricasso, the upper fitting on the scabbard has a shield with "Wikinson, Gun and Sword Maker, Pall Mall, London". The sword is in excellent condition for it's age, retaining most of it's fire gilting. The guard had a leather inner liner at one time, sewn through two small holes at the top and bottom of the basket. Some old cat gut thread remains. Blade is bright with some small areas of rust, mainly near the tip. Best regards, Rick S. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6231-1242145044.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_05_2009/post-6231-1242145060.jpg

Close up photo of lower crest.

Close up photo of upper crest.

Hello, I am trying to research two family crests/mottos, on a sword I recently acquired. It is a British 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer's sword, Victorian Period. It has a folding guard, leather scabbard with gilt brass fittings, and an "1845 Wilkinson Pattern" single fullered blade. Maker is Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London. Probably made around 1845 to 1853, as there is no serial number on the back spine. The family crests are etched engraved into the sword, one on top of the other, just above the ricasso and proof mark(see photo). The upper one has a mullet(five pointed star) in the center, with the motto "AUDACES-FORTUNA-JUVAT". The lower one has a unicorn head in the center, with the motto "PUGNAM-EXPECTA-PARATUS". In doing some research on the net, of family crests, I have found many family names associated with the Audaces-Fortuna-Juvat motto. I understand though, that the mullet may represent a "third son". I have not been able to find any families with motto of Pugnam-Expecta-Paratus". Are these indeed family crests, or some other symbols? Any help would be appreciated. I would like to identify the soldier who owned the sword if possible. If you think this post should be in another catagory, please advise me. Best regards, Rick S.