1897 Pattern Wilkinson Patent Hilt Punjabi Light Infantry

A very good 1897 Pattern Infantry Officers Sword by Wilkinson, with Patent Solid Hilt.

The sword of Captain Charles Randolph Prendergast, 28th Punjabi's. Originally serving with the Royal Munster Fusiliers, he transfered to the Indian Army in 1912. He was killed in action whilst leading a charge at the head of his company towards entrenched enemy positions at Sheik Saad, Mesopotamia on the 21st of January 1916. He was 28. He is commemorated on the Basra Memorial. 

His father, Major General Charles Lewis Prendergast was the Colonel Commandant of the 28th Punjabis, Indian Army)  who resided at 12, Elphinston Road Southsea. 

The steel 1897 pattern Infantry officer hilt with ERVII cypher. Fully chequered backstrap with gutta percha patent hilt grips bound with silver twistwire. Fitted with its original brown leather sword knot, requiring some attention.

The brightly plated 32.5 inch single fullered 1892 pattern blade with etched with Wilkinson's details to one ricasso, HW hexagonal "Best" proof slug to the other. The blade bearing the initials "C.R.P." below the family crest and latin motto of the Prendegast family to one escutcheon. The blade is further decorated with foliate etching, royal coat of arms, and crowned ERVII cypher.

Housed in it's original steel mounted wooded leather covered field service scabbard. The drag has been reinforced and covered in leather. 

A very good example of a scarce Patent hilted officers sword of the highest specification by the best possible maker, to a career soldier with room for further research. Sold with a digital copy of the Wilkinson Sword Proof Book ledger for this sword, confirming its provenance.

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.