Regulation sword sharpness

[Jonathan]

Another Wilkinson, sold in 1888 to an officer of the Queen's Own West Surrey Regiment. This officer served across the Empire--Niger-Sudan Expedition 1897, Northwest Frontier 1897-98, Waziristan 1902, Tibet 1903-04, and finally WWI (KIA near Loos 1914 by machine gun fire). This blade has similar damaging sharpening as the P1821 LC sword. The scuffing from the wheel begins only 2 1/2" from the guard, but it is not actually sharp until 10 1/2" from the guard. The scabbard is an early brown leather field service scabbard and is wood lined with a yellow metal throat. This is another example of a Pattern 1854 Infantry Officer's Sword that was re-hilted in 1895.

[Jonathan]

One final note--I have been in contact with the new owner of the 15th Hussars that was at MDL. Both of our swords exhibit the same sharpening, both scabbards are lined with leather, and both officers served in Afghansitan 1878-80.

[admin]

A 'new' image of original British sword sharpening, regimental style! -
http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showth ... d-sharping

[admin]

A patent (1868) for a sword sharpening machine:



From: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=y61J2fBZ5cAC