Cavalry officer’s presentation sword, a fine quality custom built solid patent-tang fighting sword for an officer of the 7th Hussars, the heavy slightly curved 90cm blade by Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London, No 5327 for 1854, the makers details adding the legend ‘Solid patent hilt’ etched with crowned VR cypher panels of foliate scrolls and within an ornate scrolling ribbon at the forte a presentation inscription ‘Presented to Sir Wm Russell Bart by C Darby Griffith’, blade retaining almost all original finish, electro-plated steel guard pierced with scrolls similar to that later ordered in brass for Royal Engineer officers, but in this case the scrolls are left plain and do not have the foliate engraved decoration, electro-plated chequered pommel and backstrap chequered leather grips bound with silver wire, complete with electro-plated steel scabbard, minor service wear but overall in fine condition £1000-1200

Lieut. General Sir William Russell CB was born in Calcutta in 1822, the only son of Sir William Russell MD, he was commissioned as a Cornet in the 7th Hussars in 1841, rising through the ranks the outbreak of the Indian Mutiny in 1857 found him a Major and he saw much active service with the 7th Hussars during the Indian Mutiny where his regiment joined the force under Outram at the Alambagh in February 1858, during the final fighting at Lucknow, at the actions of Baree, Nawabganj and Sultanpore, later that year they were to distinguish themselves in the persuit of the rebels to Raptee and in 1859 the regiment helped drive the rebels into Nepaul. Promoted to Lieut-Colonel in November 1859 he commanded his regiment until 1861 exchanging into the 14th Hussars in October 1861, commanding them until 1864, he attained the rank of Lieut-General in July 1881. He was awarded the CB for his services during the Indian Mutiny.

TheWilkinson proof books record sword No 5327 ‘A Patent tang, scroll hilt , electro-plated guard and scabbard’ to have been made for ‘Griffith’ dated 29th July 1854.

The origin of the steel scroll or honeysuckle guard remains obscure, certainly they were carried by Scottish officers as field swords and officers of the HEIC previous to their adoption by the Royal Engineers in gilt-brass in 1857.

Sold with futher research.