1821P Wilkinson Cockspur St British Heavy
Cavalry Officer's Sword, sold |
In good condition, a rare Wilkinson of Cockspur Street Victorian
British heavy cavalry officer's sword, 1849, initialed.
When is a Wilkinson sword not a Wilkinson Sword? When it was made
by Wilkinson of Cockspur Street Charring Cross in 1849. In 1850
Henry Wilkinson of Pall Mall threatened to sue poor Mr Wilkinson
of Cockspur Street to stop putting the name "Wilkinson"
on his swords, even though the later was not in breach of any Trademark
and was well within he legal rights. Tiny, by comparison, Mr. Wilkinson
of Cockspur Street agreed under pressure, and hence the answer to
the riddle, and also "If you can get a Wilkinson of Cockpur
Street sword, grab it, because they are rarer and many (including
us) would say worth more than a "Henry Wilkinson" / "Wilkinson
Sword".
What is more, this particular Wilkinson sword (sorry Henry) is
made even more desirable by the fact that it has the original owner's
initials on the blade, " E W P". Given the sword was made
in 1849 / 1850, it should therefore be possible to determine / research
the original owner of this contentiously marked sword.
This is a magnificent sword and was clearly made by a very skilled
craftsman. The magnificent and well etched 35 inch blade is firm
in the hilt. The blade has been period sharpened and there are period
nicks to the cutting edge that imply the sword was used in battle.
The blade has some corrosion towards the point but not too much.
The steel ladder hilt is in very good condition for its age to.
The fishskin grip is worn very much in places, which suggests this
sword was held / wielded a lot. The copper twisted grip wire bindings
are in overall very good shape and make a very nice change from
the normal brass or silver metal. The steel scabbard attests to
the fact this sword has been worn will mounted, a lot. It has a
lot of period damage (dents, dings, etc.). Complete with white leather
sword knot (presumed original), the sword sheathes and draws well.
Oh, what a great research project for someone. And what a great
and rare sword, irrespective of its active service history. A real
snip at £600; grab it quick, you are very, very unlikely to
find another Wilkinson of Cockspur Street example. Please quote
item reference H35 (991). Further / full sized images available
upon request.
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