An Edward VII Wilkinson Patent Solid Hilt - SOLD

An Edward VII Patent Solid Hilt British Royal Artillery Officer's sword by Wilkinson. The Wilkinson "Patent hilt" is arguably the finest example of Western swordmaking during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Officers' swords made by Wilkinson were considered to be the top-of-the-line, but the Patent-hilt with its full tang construction was even more exclusive, being a custom order that sold at a premium and was marketed towards officers who needed to be certain that their sword would not fail them under any certain circumstances. All Wilkinson Officer swords were   given individual serial numbers which makes it possible to identify the year in which they were manufactured and to trace the identity of the original owner of each sword. 
 
This example is a Royal Artillery Officer's sword, and as such the design is based off the earlier 1821 Pattern Light Cavalry Officer's sword. The single-edged blade is near-straight, with a spear point and false edge. Its serial number "40959" dates to this sword to the year 1906. It also bears the original owner's monogram; "E.R.R". Amazingly, the frost etching on the blade is still in immaculate condition, and the blade is in near-mirror polish, with only some minor scuffing to the polish along the spine.
 
The chequered ebony grip slabs are rock-solid, and the silver wire binding is firm and tight. The only real damage is some small rust spots to the chrome plating of the backstrap and guard. The leather-covered scabbard is likewise in great condition, except for the fact that the top of its suspension loop has been torn off.
 
All-in-all, a beautiful sword in excellent condition.
 
Blade length: 86.5 cm
Overall length: 102.5 cm
Length in scabbard: 106 cm
1906