*British, EIIR 1821 Pattern Royal Artillery Officer’s Sword, by Wilkinson, with Field Scabbard*
A British EIIR 1821 Pattern Royal Artillery Officer’s sword, a fine regulation example manufactured by Wilkinson Sword Ltd., London, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The sword is fitted with the standard straight, fullered 1821 pattern blade, finely etched throughout with crisp Royal Artillery motifs, scrollwork, and crowned EIIR cyphers. The blade retains the maker’s panel reading “By Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – Wilkinson Sword Ltd – Made in England” and is numbered 86357 on the spine.
The hilt is of regulation swept steel form with triple-bar guard, chequered backstrap, and langet. The grip retains its original black shagreen covering with intact original wire binding. The steel guard shows no distortion and remains tight to the hilt. The sword is housed in its correct brown leather field scabbard with steel throat and chape, retaining its original frog stud and suspension strap.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 85.8 cm. Overall length: 101.9 cm.
Historical Note:
The 1821 Pattern Royal Artillery Officer’s sword was introduced as part of the post-Napoleonic reforms that standardised British officer sword patterns across the services. Unlike the curved infantry officer’s sword, the Royal Artillery retained a straight, thrust-optimised blade reflecting the technical and specialist role of artillery officers.
Wilkinson Sword Ltd. became the pre-eminent British sword maker of the 19th and 20th centuries, renowned for precision forging, blade testing, and detailed serial record keeping. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, Wilkinson continued to supply regulation-quality swords for commissioned officers, with blades etched to contemporary EIIR patterns while retaining traditional forms dating back to the early 19th century. Serial-numbered examples such as this were produced to a higher standard than later commercial dress swords and remain highly collectible.
*Condition*
The blade is in very good condition, retaining clear, well-defined etching throughout with no damage or active corrosion. The hilt is complete and tight, with the swept guard undistorted and the chequered backstrap crisp. The grip retains its original shagreen covering and original wire binding. The brown leather field scabbard is original and complete, showing heavy but honest service wear with surface cracking, scuffing, and areas of finish loss exposing lighter under-leather, particularly toward the lower half. Stitching remains intact and original. The steel throat and chape are present, with wear and oxidation consistent with use. The leather suspension strap is present but heavily worn and fragile. Overall, the scabbard remains structurally sound and entirely appropriate to the sword. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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*We also reserve the right to cancel the transaction with a full refund if there is any suspicion that the provided item will be used in any way contrary to the laws and legislation of UK.
