Arms, Armour and Militaria

An unusual custom built presentation sword of the 1st Devon Light Horse Volunteers, the deeply curved 90cm blade by Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London, No 10222 for 1860, having double fullers, one extending to within 10.7cm of the point the other to within 3.3cm of the point from which point the blade becomes back edged, the blade is undecorated but for the makers details and a presentation inscription contained within an ornately etched panel ‘This sword was presented to Cornet H W Whiteway of the First Devon Light Horse Volunteers in 1864 by his brother officers in token of their regard for his disinterested and generous assistance in raising and supporting their corps.’ the unusual hilt consisting of a flat brass stirrup guard deeply engraved with scrolls and strapwork flat oval pommel with similar decoration, flat hardwood grip partly chequered and shaped to fit the hand with remains of original polish, complete with its wood black leather covered scabbard with frog stop and brass locket and massive brass chape both again engraved with matching scrolls and strapwork, the hilt and scabbard mounts probably originally silver plated, good condition £1200-1500

Wilkinson proof books record sword No 10222 as ‘curved, two grooves‘ proved 21st January 1860 but no further information.