![]() Additionally, the sword was re-hilted in 1896, the year in which Browne died. However, Burton seemed like a stronger candidate as he was the only one of the two men to see active service, and in my mind such an officer would be more likely to jump on the bandwagon when the new blade was introduced in 1892. I did not find anything terribly conclusive. I researched each man to see if I could discover if one was more likely than the other. Browne, the only infantry officers in my list, and both serving in the Indian Army. In the end two possibilities emerged Henry Gerard Burton and Henry G. There were several matches for these initials, many of which could be excluded from the shortlist of candidates due to their branches of service. Undaunted, I combed through the index of the 1893 Hart's List (accurate through December, 1892) and found all matches for the initials "H.G.B.". The owner was even kind enough to have his initials put on the blade! And what a fortuitous thing he did, too, since the proof book entry is blank for this blade. In addition, it is a Wilkinson and therefore numbered and researchable. All in all I think it is a great example of an early late-pattern officer's sword. The hilt was probably added by Wilkinson in 1896 as it is stamped "STEEL HILT". The etching is a bit worn, but is still visible. The blade has all the standard etchings of the time including the VRI cypher and scrolling foliage. Upon receiving the sword I noted that it had been cleaned with some sort of abrasive, and was a bit scratched, but still in quite acceptable condition. I was quite excited at the prospect of getting such an early P1892 blade and another P1895 hilt (I like it better than the P1897 hilt-its larger piercings make it a bit more elegant in my mind). The serial number dates the blade to 1892, however the hilt is that of the 1895 pattern. A dealer listed a nice British P1892/95 infantry officer's sword. Just such a deal came along a few weeks ago. Every once in a while a deal comes along, and in spite of ambiguous provenance, I cannot resist the desire to acquire. ![]()
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