Description
'Edward Thurkle of Soho, London'.
A good 1895 pattern infantry officer’s sword with the VR cypher. You don’t see too many of these, they are all usually the 1822 pattern, or the 1895 pattern swords are marked with the EVIII or GVR cypher. This one is a nice example, the hilt is nickel-plated sheet steel, half-basket style, with a Ray skin grip wrapped with twisted silver wire; as mentioned already it has queen Victoria’s VR cypher set in to the basket. Because this is about as early as you are going to get this pattern, there is no the ball finial on the pommel. Dating this sword from 1896 to 1902.The blade is deeply etched with the royal crown, cypher and coat of arms. The etching is still nice and clear if just lightly stained with light pitting; but it is clear from any rust or heavy pitting and just needs a light clean. At the Ricasso, on one side is the proof mark, an inset brass button and on the other side is the makers mark of; Edward Thurkle of Soho, London. One of the best British Sword makers of the period.This sword has some slight damage apart from what is already highlighted. The basket has some very fine pitting and the Ray skin on the grip has a number of flea-bites to the edge, but for all this please see my pictures. It has a leather scabbard with a ling metal Chape and metal throat. The scabbard is also in good order with no damage.