A Scarce Wilkinson Patent Hilt 1895 Pattern Infantry Officers Sword

The 1895 Pattern Infantry Officers Sword of Lieutenant Colonel H.T. Faithfull, Hong Kong Regiment.

The sword is fitted with the short lived 1895 Pattern Infantry Officers hilt, which bears the crowned royal cypher of Queen Victoria. Domed pommel and fully chequered backstrap. The grip of Gutta Percha bound with silver twistwire, which is all complete and in very good condition. 

The 32.5 inch single fullered 1892 pattern blade with etched with Wilkinson's details to one ricasso, HW proof slug to the other. The blade bearing a personalised panel being the initials "H.T.F." over a date of "'96" for 1896. A further vacant panel and foliate etching, royal coat of arms, and crowned VR cypher. The blade has been lightly service sharpened. The blade is generally bright, with some minor areas of staining. 

Housed in it's original steel scabbard with twin hanging rings. Loss to the plated finish, but generally a good solid example.

A cursory search shows that Henry Turner Faithfull was born in 1853 at Mussorie, India, the son of Ellen & Richard Faithfull. He was baptised on 30 Mar 1854 at Umballa, Bengal, India and educated at Wellington College.

Henry was comissioned as a Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery on 12 August 1874, and by 1877 was appointed as a Probationer for the Indian Staff Corps, and by 1879 he was serving as a Wing Officer with the 19th Bengal Native Infantry.

He served in the Afghan war of 1878-80, and was present at the advance on the Helmund and in the engagements at Ahmed Kheyl and Urzoo near Ghuznee (Medal with Clasp). He was also present at the attack and capture of Ali Musjid, the advance to Gundamuck, and the operations in the Kooram Valley (Medal with Clasp). He served in the Mah-ood Wuzeeree Expedition in 1881. 

He married Esther Kirkpatrick Tindal in 1896 in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, and it was likely on this trip home to England that he purchased this sword, as the proof ledger number it dates to February of 1896. This would have been his first opportunity to acquire the latest pattern of sword ahead of his promotion to Brevet Lt Colonel when appointed as colonel commandant of the Hong Kong Regiment, which was formed from members of the Indian Army.

He was officially promoted to Lt Colonel in the Indian Staff Corps on the 12th Feb 1900.

He died on 28th of April 1930 and is buried in St Peter's Churchyard, Frimley, Surrey

A very good example of a scarce Patent hilted officers sword 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. Please send this at the time of ordering, to prevent unnecessary delay in your order being dispatched.