The 39th Regiment of Foot were the first Regiment to serve in India in 1754 and the Dorsetshire Regiment were allowed to use the motto “Primus in Indis” as a result.
Included is a letter from the Royal Armouries with photocopy of the entry for sword No 23503 in the Wilkinson ledger showing that it was completed in February 1880, with no mention of any special engraving, the purchaser’s name indecipherable.
Blade 32½”, etched with the usual crowned “VR” and panels of foliage, also a crest of a griffin’s head with anchor over “L.G. from I.S.H.” and in scrolls “39 Regiment, Primus in Indis”, with regulation brass hilt, in its very worn leather FS scabbard with a leather bayonet frog.
*Condition*
The blade has some pitting towards the tip and there are no notable chips in the blade. The engraving is all good as is the guard and pommel, there is some loose wire at the top of the grip but otherwise a good sword.
The scabbard has lost its tip, the rest is present with the frog having become unstitched to one side and is quite worn.
Please see the pictures as they form part of our report.
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