British, Mid-Victorian Pattern 1845/54 Infantry Officer’s Sword, by Edward Thurkle

*British, Mid-Victorian Pattern 1845/54 Infantry Officer’s Sword, by Edward Thurkle*

An authentic British Pattern 1845/54 Infantry Officer’s sword dating to the mid-to-late Victorian era. The sword features the regulation solid brass Gothic hilt incorporating an intricate crowned royal cypher "VR" for Queen Victoria, beautifully accented by the integrated Flowers of the Union arrangement (comprising the rose, thistle, and shamrock) within the lower cartouche.

The solid brass hilt features the regulation guard paired with a highly desirable, premium acanthus-leaf decorated backstrap and stepped oval pommel cap—a beautiful custom embellishment typical of high-quality private commissions. The curved, single-fullered steel blade retains surviving etched decoration panels visible beneath an honest, age-related surface patina. The ricasso houses a crisp, circular brass "PROVED" proof slug featuring the distinctive lower pellet-style device associated with the renowned London sword cutler Edward Thurkle. The blade terminates in the standard regulation spear point. The fishskin grip remains remarkably well-preserved for its age and is tightly wrapped with its original twisted copper wire binding.

Approx. Measurements: Overall Length: 97 cm. Blade Length: 83 cm

Historical Note

The Gothic-hilt infantry sword was privately purchased by British Army officers and carried throughout many of the major imperial conflicts of the 19th century, including the Crimean War, the Indian Mutiny, and the Anglo-Zulu War. While the earliest Pattern 1822 variations utilized a fragile folding guard section, this example displays the important post-1854 design update in which the guard was cast as a solid, fixed piece of brass for vastly improved durability during active campaign service.

*Condition*

A well-preserved and visually attractive example overall, presented without scabbard. The blade remains in honest, service-worn condition, displaying extensive age-related surface pitting, dark patination, and areas of oxidation throughout, most heavily concentrated toward the lower section and spear point. Traces of the original decorative etching remain visible under angled light. The hilt and guard are structurally sound and solid, with the brass retaining a deep, aged tone and authentic verdigris present within the recesses of the Gothic piercing and foliate pommel, indicating the sword has not been aggressively cleaned or chemically stripped. The fishskin grip panels and copper wire binding remain completely intact, tight, and structurally secure, showing honest handling wear throughout. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.