Code: 11833
An 1827 Pattern Rifle Officer's Sword By Wilkinson, Pall Mall, dating from 1865.
The second initial of the ledger page is difficult to decypher, so given the dates involved I have tentatively attributed this sword to Colonel Charles Edward Stewart CMG CIE of the Bengal Staff Corps. If this attribution pans out, then he was an interesting character.
Charles Edward Stewart was born on 23 February 1836. He was the son of Algernon Stewart, 7th Son of the Earl of Galway, and Charlotte Clement. He was educated at Marlborough, and joined the Indian Army in 1854. He saw service during the Mutiny, and several engagements in Oudh. He then served with the Bengal Lancers, and the 5th Punjab Infantry. He saw further action during the Umbeyla Campaign in 1863, the Jowaki-Afridi Expedition 1877-78, being appointed Lieutenant Colonel in 1879, and Colonel in 1883. He served in political employ in Persia 1880-85, and assistant comissioner in the Perso-Afghan boundary demarcation in 1885.
In connection for these activitied he was appointed Companion, Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.) and Companion, Order of the Indian Empire (C.I.E.)
He was appointed Companion, Order of the Bath (C.B.)with in 1886.
He was then apoointed Consul at Resht, and at Tabria 1889-92, and then he served as Consul General at Odessa from 1892 until 1899.
He married Annie Nairn Anstruther on 23 January 1869. He died on 26 December 1904 at age 68.
Thier only son, Lt-Colonel Algernon Bingham Anstruther Stewart DSO was killed by a trench mortar on the 23 May 1916 at age 46, whilst in command of the 1st battalion, Seaforth Highlanders.
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The sword itself came to me in a rather inauspicious state, being stuck in the scabbard, Fotunately the scabbard throat was missing, so I was able to introduce enough lubrication to allow the sword's blade to be freed. Although I suspected it was a Wilkinson, I was pleasantly suprised by the condition of the blade. The main "sticking point" was the blades tip, and as you will see from the photographs, it has emerged quite well.
The gothic 1827 pattern guard, smooth backstrap with chequered thumb pirce, and stepped pommel all have a dark, plum coloured patina, with traces of the original polished steel finish still visible beneath. The Shagreen grip has areas of loss to both sides, mostly to the edges, and retaining most of its original twistwire binding.
The single fullered 32.25 inch blade of 1845 pattern, with Wilkinson makers proof slug to the ricasso, the other bearing their address. Serial number to the spine, denoting the year of manufacture as September 1865. This likely coincides with with his time serving with the Punjab Infantry.
There is also a strung bugle, crowned VR cypher and the standard foliate engraving. The blade is generally bright with fully legible, clear etching. It has been service sharpened, and retains a wicked cutting edge for its entire length, and eight inches up the back edge.
It has some areas of scattered light staining, isolated black corrosion, particuarly in the last eight inches toward the blades point. The whole could be greatly improved with a by gentle clean and polish. The hilt and blade are solid with no movement. The blade is slightly bent, but could be realigned if desired.
Housed in its original steel scabbard with twin hanging rings. Generally good, no serious dings, dents, or bends. The throat absent as previously mentioned. Even patina, matching the swords hilt, with light pitting towards the drag.
There is still oil residue inside the scabbard, so it is best to wipe the blade every time it is unsheathed, until this disipates.
All in all a nice untouched service carried sword, with potential to improve and research. Accompanied by a digital copy of the Wilkinson Ledger page.
Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.
