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This weapon was carried by the Pioneer unit of British infantry battalions throughout the last half of the 19th century, but these weapons were also issued to the navy. Army examples were normally unit marked on the stool of the guard and the scabbard throat, so perhaps this is a naval issue. The blade is clearly stamped 'Wilkinson London' at the forte and has an issue date of 11/96. The scabbard would have been a brass mounted leather one. It superseded a slightly larger version with a curved blade and lion head pommel. The blade is just over 22.5" long and has light/medium pitting on both sides,with a deeper patch at the point. The teeth are still nice and sharp! With a scabbard, a clean example is worth some ?300 or so. |