The Pattern 1845 infantry officer’s sword replaced the earlier 1822 pipe-back blade with Henry Wilkinson’s fullered “cut-and-thrust” blade, while keeping the elegant Gothic half-basket hilt. It served British officers through the mid-Victorian era, including the Crimean War, and remained current until the thrust-optimised 1892 blade and later steel-hilt updates of the 1895 and 1897 patterns.
Key Features
- Curved, single-fuller blade with flat back and spear point for both cut and thrust.
- Gothic pierced brass half-basket hilt with royal cypher cartouche and fishskin grip bound with wire.
- Early examples often retain a folding inner guard, later replaced by solid guards.
Specification
| Element | Typical details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blade type | Curved, single fuller, flat back, spear point | Replaced the 1822 pipe-back |
| Blade length | About 32.5 in | Variations existed by officer preference |
| Blade width | About 1⅛ in | Infantry and engineers broadly similar |
| Hilt | Gilt brass Gothic half-basket with VR cartouche | Folding guard on early pieces, solid on later |
| Grip | Fishskin over wood, wired | Standard officer finish |
| Scabbard | Leather with brass mounts, or gilt brass for senior officers | Later examples used steel or leather |
History and Evolution
- 1822 to 1845: The 1822 pattern introduced the Gothic hilt with a slender pipe-back blade. The 1845 update kept the hilt but adopted a stronger, fuller blade that improved stiffness and thrusting.
- Late 1850s hilt change: Hinged inner guards were phased out in favour of solid guards. Foot Guards received a distinct steel-hilted sword in 1854.
- 1892 onwards: The blade became straight and thrust-centric. Steel guards followed in 1895, refined further in 1897, which remains in ceremonial use today.
Advantages
- Stronger and more versatile than the 1822 pipe-back.
- Effective for both cutting and thrusting.
- Wide availability and numerous surviving examples make collecting and restoration accessible.
Disadvantages
- Brass Gothic hilt gives less hand protection than later steel versions.
- Folding guard mechanisms can loosen or break.
- Quality varies due to private purchase by officers.
Comparison with Similar Weapons
| Pattern or model | Blade and hilt | Difference from P1845 |
|---|---|---|
| 1822 Infantry Officer | Pipe-back blade, Gothic hilt | Lighter and weaker blade |
| 1892 Infantry Officer | Straight thrusting blade | Purpose-built for thrust, no longer cut-and-thrust |
| 1895 and 1897 Infantry Officer | Steel guard with thrusting blade | Better hand protection, long-running standard |
| Contemporary European officer sabres | Curved, often etched blades | Comparable aesthetics, but the British sword retained the Gothic hilt |
Legacy and Significance
The P1845 became the definitive Victorian officer’s sword, bridging the elegant 1822 and the practical thrust-led models of the 1890s. It is widely represented in regimental portraits and remains a popular collector’s piece. Wilkinson examples with ledger records linking them to original owners are especially prized.
Where to See Examples
- Australian War Memorial, Canberra
- Imperial War Museum, London
- National Army Museum, London
- York Museums Trust collections
Collector’s Guide
What to look for
- Sound blade with clean fuller and point.
- Tight hilt with intact folding guard (if present).
- Original fishskin and wire grip.
- Matching scabbard, especially gilt brass for senior officers.
- Named examples with provenance or Wilkinson ledger records.
Dating cues
- Early Victorian swords feature “VR” cyphers and folding inner guards.
- Later Victorian versions often have solid guards and straighter grips with chequered thumb rests.
Auction pricing
| Description | Price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Worn, anonymous example | £120–£180 | Entry level, common at general sales |
| Average condition | £150–£350 | Typical for anonymous swords |
| Good condition with correct scabbard | £400–£800 | More desirable at specialist auctions |
| Named Wilkinson with ledger record | £800–£1,800+ | Provenance adds strong premiums |
Preservation tips
- Lightly oil the blade, avoiding aggressive polishing.
- Clean brass hilts gently with non-ammoniated polish.
- Condition leather scabbards occasionally and ensure swords are stored dry.
Arms and Armour Context
The Pattern 1845 reflects Britain’s gradual shift from curved sabres to thrust-focused straight blades. It offered more cutting mass and resilience than earlier spadroons or pipe-backs, but by the 1890s the thrust was favoured over versatility, leading to the adoption of the 1897 pattern still in use ceremonially today.
