British, Late Victorian Period, Infantry or Naval Pattern Practice / Cadet Sabre by Thurkle, London

*British, Late Victorian Period, Infantry or Naval Pattern Practice / Cadet Sabre by Thurkle, London*

An original late Victorian British practice or cadet-pattern sabre retaining a brass stirrup hilt and straight single-fullered steel blade, likely dating to the final quarter of the 19th century. The sword appears to have been intended either for fencing, cadet drill, gymnasium instruction, or lightweight military practice use, and carries a brass proof slug stamped “PROVED” surrounding a capital “T”, consistent with blades supplied by the Thurkle sword-making family of London.

The hilt is of cast brass construction with a ribbed grip cast integrally into the guard and a pronounced knuckle bow terminating in a rounded quillon finial. The blade is straight and of narrow section with a single fuller running from the forte toward the point. The tip is now blunt-ended. No scabbard is present.

The “PROVED / T” proof disc strongly suggests manufacture or retail through Edward Thurkle or the Thurkle family workshops of Denmark Street, Soho, London, one of the better-known specialist sword-making firms of the Victorian era. Following the acquisition of the business by J.R. Gaunt & Sons in 1897, Thurkle-marked proof discs continued to appear on some retailed blades for a period.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 75.5 cm. Overall length: 88 cm.

History Note:
During the Victorian period, lightweight sabres of this form were widely used for military drill, cadet instruction, gymnasium fencing, and private purchase training. Similar brass-hilted swords were employed by volunteer units, youth military academies, and fencing salles where a more robust practice weapon was required than the traditional foil or épée. Thurkle-produced blades are increasingly sought after due to the firm’s association with high-quality British sword manufacture during the late 19th century.

*Condition*
Overall displaying honest age and wear. The blade retains areas of surface oxidation, pitting, staining, and age-darkened patina throughout. The tip is missing. Hilt structurally sound with surface wear, small knocks, and handling marks to the brass. No scabbard present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQ#3228E0_3823244711