British 1845 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword

WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS 1822 PATTERN, the main difference concerns the absence of a folding hilt guard and the introduction of a new blade type in 1845.   In a Memorandum of 10 March 1845 from the Adjutant-General, the new blade was described as:

“A blade of an improved construction and superior quality having been adopted to the Sword prescribed for officers of infantry, a pattern of the sword thus improved has been sealed and deposited in the Office of Military Boards for the inspection of tradesmen and regulation of future supplies – any deviation from which either as regards form, dimensions or weight as specified in the margin is positively prohibited.  It is to be understood, however, that officers are not required to provide themselves with swords of the improved pattern until those now in possession shall have been worn out.”

The blade that had been specified in the Memorandum and thus superceding the previous pipe back, was of the new“Wilkinson” type, comprising a slightly curved blade with a broad fuller to each side that extended to around 10 inches from the new spear point, where it then became double-edged.  This new blade was considerably stronger than the pipe back version and it was generally well received by infantry officers.

In 1854, the hilt was changed and the folding guard removed, leaving a single curved spur.  The Pattern had a very long service life and some of the best examples were manufactured by Wilkinson Sword.  The quality of these is very apparent, especially in the sturdy hilt construction and the crisp, deep etching to the thick and wide service blades.  A good heavy duty scabbard was also supplied in both steel and leather-mounted-steel. These swords were made for proper service use in the British Army and would have undergone strenuous testing at the Wilkinson factory, in London.

This sword also has a smaller and lighter, “picquet” or “levee” weight equivalent that would have been carried for social engagements such as mess dinners, balls and official functions.  There were never precise regulations for the carrying of these lightweight versions, but they are common and so must have been accepted unofficially by the authorities.

© Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2024

Taken from The British Sword – From 1600 to the Present Day – An Illustrated History by Harvey J S Withers – 12,000 full colour photographs – 884 pages

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