Original British Victorian P-1845 Volunteer Rifles Officer’s Sword by S.&S. Smith with Scabbard & Leather Cover Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Victorian Era British Volunteer Rifles Officers Sword (1845 Pattern Sword), complete with its original steel scabbard. It comes in a very nice leather sword cover. True to the pattern, it features a single fullered etched blade and beautiful gothic style steel hilt. The basket guard is marked with the standard Victorian era Rifle Volunteers insignia, the British “Light Infantry” horn hanging from a tied bow, under a crown.

The blade is etched with the QUEEN’S CROWN / VR Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria on one side, while the opposite is marked with RIFLE VOLUNTEERS surrounding the “Light Infantry” horn. There is also an oval with a Unicorn Head inside, probably for the City or Area where the volunteers were drawn from. The Volunteer forces mainly existed from 1859-1881, which fits right into the time period of this sword.

The blade ricasso has the standard 6 pointed star around a brass plug stamped PROVED, with a miniscule Fleur-de-lis, and the reverse bears the maker information:

S. & S. SMITH
34
Cross St.t
MANCHESTER

Shark skin grip is complete and shows light wear, with the wire wrapping missing in some areas. The basket retains a fair amount of patina in some spots. The blade finish is in very good condition, with the original etching quite easy to see. There is very little pitting or severe wear to the blade, and there is no real movement of the hilt on the blade. The buff leather blade washer is still held firmly in place.

The scabbard is the standard straight steel type, with two hanger rings. The scabbard is straight, with minimal dents, and has a lovely lightly oxidized patina. There are some areas of light pitting, but nothing major.

The included textured leather scabbard cover is in very good condition, and is marked WILKINSON / PALL MALL / LONDON, a well known maker of swords and associated items. It is possible that the sword was purchased from the company, and then etched and customized by S. & S. Smith. The cover is embossed with the letters J. C. L. R., which could be the owner’s initials, or possibly the name of the regiment. Definitely some research potential. The only issue with the cover is that the stitching on the leather closure tab has pulled out, so the “lid” cannot be secured.

This would make an excellent display piece for any British Victorian Era collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Overall length: 38 3/4”
Blade length: 33”
Scabbard length: 33 1/2”