1845 Pattern Infantry Officer's Sword By Robert Mole

EL6167 - A very nice example of an 1845 pattern infantry officer's sword, in good condition. This sword carried Mole's proof slug, so was presumably made by Mole, but very unusually it carries the special etch on the ricasso of 'Repaired by Robert Mole & Sons'. I cannot say that I have ever seen this before. The fact that it is etched suggests that whatever was etched there before had to be removed first, which might suggest that the blade had become rusty in service use or storage and was returned to Mole in Birmingham for refurbishment. A very interesting detail anyway, to an infantry officer's sword which presumably dates to around 1860-80. The repair etching I think probably dates to around the 1880s, as the '& Sons' was added around that time. The sword is in great condition and everything is tight (the tiniest imaginable movement in the guard if you really yank it), together with its steel scabbard. A great example by a top maker.