*British, 1902, 1889 Pattern Royal Naval Cutlass by Wilkinson, with Frog and Scabbard*
A particularly fine and desirable example of the 1889 Pattern Royal Naval Cutlass, manufactured by the prestigious Wilkinson Sword Company, London. Unlike the majority of surviving cutlasses which are found loose, this example retains both its regulation scabbard and original Admiralty-issue frog, likely by Hobson & Son, London — features which set it apart and greatly enhance its collectability. The straight, single-edged blade with single fuller measures 70.8 cm (86.5 cm overall), crisply marked and showing honest service use while remaining in strong, solid condition.
Markings:
-Blade ricasso (obverse): Broad arrow over N, inspection mark 49 W, bend-test X, and WILKINSON LONDON.
-Blade ricasso (reverse): Inspector’s marks including 33 W, and date 5 ’02 (May 1902).
-Blade spine: Crowned inspector’s mark 49 W with additional number /00.
-Pommel end: Stamped 42.
-Scabbard locket button: Stamped N (Naval).
-Scabbard locket (throat, upper face): Stamped 42.
-Leather frog (rear): looks like this is stamped Hobson & Son, London, a known Admiralty contractor, with number 194, with an earlier number 33 struck through.
Historical Note:
The 1889 Pattern was the last true cutlass officially adopted by the Royal Navy, a weapon that symbolised centuries of naval boarding actions and close-quarters fighting. By the turn of the 20th century the cutlass was already becoming an anachronism, but it remained in issue for training, ceremonial use, and as an emergency weapon through the First World War and even into the Second. Most cutlasses were kept in communal racks or buckets aboard ship and were not issued with scabbards; examples surviving complete with both scabbard and frog are therefore rare. The presence of a named contractor’s frog strongly indicates this weapon was carried by a senior rating — likely a Petty Officer — who had responsibility for his own arms but was not of officer’s rank. Wilkinson, as Britain’s premier sword maker, supplied some of the finest naval blades, and this 1902-dated example stands out as a scarce and highly desirable piece of Royal Navy history.
*Condition*
Blade shows grey patina, light staining, and honest service wear, with all markings legible. The bowl guard retains a bright steel finish with scattered spots of rust and wear. Grip remains complete, with chequered leather intact though worn with age and handling. The scabbard shows age-hardening to the leather, wear to the chape, and surface oxidation to the steel fittings. Rack renumbering to the frog is clear The frog is complete, with stitching and rivets secure, showing patina and period cracking consistent with naval use. Overall a complete, service-marked example of a scarce Wilkinson-made naval cutlass, with the rarely encountered scabbard and frog combination. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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