ph3s Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Hi gents, I got my first British sword today, Infantry officer 1821 pattern (I belive) It has number punched on the side. I can't find any info and a copy of book I have ordered hasn't arrive yet. Would you help me please? What is this number? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Hopkins Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Hi gents, I got my first British sword today, Infantry officer 1821 pattern (I belive) It has number punched on the side. I can't find any info and a copy of book I have ordered hasn't arrive yet. Would you help me please? What is this number? It is an officer's sword, but not for infantry. It is hard to tell without measurements or photos of the blade decoration, but it appears to be a Pattern 1821 Royal Artillery Officer's Sword (or maybe Army Service Corps). Can you provide more photos of the blade decoration including any maker/retailer information? If it is a Wilkinson sword then the serial number is tied to an entry in the Wilkinson Proof Ledger which may reveal information about the original owner. Also, if this is a Wilkinson the serial number would date the sword to the period 1914-17. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrontlineAntiques Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 A wonderful looking item! Congratulations on your first British sword! Hopefully after Xmas I will attempt to treat myself to a nice british cavalry sabre - wife permitting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ph3s Posted November 10, 2010 Author Share Posted November 10, 2010 Thank you gentlemen, It is Wilkinson made . the blade is 89cm of steel from top to bottom all over it's 106 cm no glue on blade decoration. And it's not sight as well Please see attachments for the etching Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Hopkins Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 (edited) Is there any other etching on the blade that might say "Royal Artillery", or any other symbols? Since it is a Wilkinson you can send an enquiry to ArmsResearch.co.uk, and for a small fee (~15 GBP) you can find out if there is an entry in the proof book for your serial number. Hopefully there will be an entry and you can learn the name of the original owner. Based on the period of manufacture I would guess that your sword is for a Royal Artillery officer, and based on the blade length probably Royal Horse Artillery. Edited November 10, 2010 by Jonathan Hopkins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ph3s Posted November 10, 2010 Author Share Posted November 10, 2010 Is there any other etching on the blade that might say "Royal Artillery", or any other symbols? Since it is a Wilkinson you can send an enquiry to ArmsResearch.co.uk, and for a small fee (~15 GBP) you can find out if there is an entry in the proof book for your serial number. Hopefully there will be an entry and you can learn the name of the original owner. Based on the period of manufacture I would guess that your sword is for a Royal Artillery officer, and based on the blade length probably Royal Horse Artillery. No nothing else to show any kind of info, I have seen the bladges with Royal Artilery on it, but mine is just plaint one. Thank you for the hint:beer: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Hopkins Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 (edited) No nothing else to show any kind of info, I have seen the bladges with Royal Artilery on it, but mine is just plaint one. Thank you for the hint:beer: That is very interesting. Please do send a request to ArmsResearch.co.uk and share your findings! Congratulations on a nice sword! Out of curiosity, what book did you order? Edited November 10, 2010 by Jonathan Hopkins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ph3s Posted November 10, 2010 Author Share Posted November 10, 2010 (edited) thank you, your help is appreciated, I'll get the research in couple of weeks. the book is British Military Swords 1796 - 1912 The Regulation Patterns An Illustrated Price Guide for Collectors by Harvey J.S.Withers damn it , what do yo think is something about mine gonna be in there? Edited November 10, 2010 by ph3s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Hopkins Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 (edited) I have the first edition of the book. I think it will be a good introduction to the subject of British swords. If you continue to collect then Swords of the British Army (1997 revised edition) by Brian Robson is a must! Edited November 11, 2010 by Jonathan Hopkins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 Nice sword in excellent condition. The etching is very clean. I agree with Jon - certainly looks like an Artillery sword. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now