Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very nice British Infantry Officers Dress or Parade Sword (1845 Pattern Sword). The P1845 was one of several “Gothic Hilt” Infantry swords put into service by the British Empire. These originally had curved blades, but towards the end of the 19th century they became quite straight.
This Victorian-era infantry officer’s sword features a single fullered nickel plated etched blade and beautiful gothic style hilt in brass. The basket is marked with the QUEEN’S CROWN / VRI Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria, used after 1876 when she was crowned the Empress of India. This is also seen on either side of the blade in the etching, which is still clear.
The blade ricasso has the standard 6 pointed star around a brass plug stamped PROVED / T, though this blade does not have any maker information that we can see. It was probably made specifically to order by an Officer, which would often use unmarked blades.
The grip is leather wrapped wood, and the wire wrapping is intact and complete. The basket has a lovely lightly oxidized patina. The blade is tight to the grip, and the nickel plating is still in very good condition, with only some flaking towards the tip of the blade, as shown.
The scabbard is the standard straight steel type, with two hanger rings. It is nickel plated, though there is a lot of wear and oxidation to the plating. The scabbard is straight, with minimal dents, and has a lovely lightly oxidized patina.
This would make an excellent display piece for any British Victorian Era collection. Ready to display!
Specifications:
Overall length: 38 1/2”
Blade length: 33”
Scabbard length: 34 1/2”
Basket dimensions: 4″ width x 5” length