Early 1845 pattern Infantry Officer's Sword by Andrews

EL6113 - An unusual and early 1845 pattern infantry officer's sword retailed by Andrews of Pall Mall. Andrews were a quality retailer and sold swords made by good quality makers such as Reeves and Wilkinson. This sword is very early in the 1845 pattern's history due to the etching up on the fuller instead of the ricasso and the lack of a proof slug. This probably places the sword at around 1845 or very soon after. The blade seems to have been service sharpened and therefore could have seen service in one of the wars of the late 1840s or the 1850s. The blade is in very nice condition, quite bright and with clear etching. The hilt is firm on the tang, but cosmetically is somewhat battered, with some deformation to the brass guard and the shagreen is almost entirely gone from the wooden grip. Though the wear to the wooden grip suggests this might have happened during the sword's service life and the wood is stable and nicely coloured from wear. The folding guard drop works and stays more or less in place. No scabbard. This is a nice early 1845 pattern of good quality, but showing the signs of a hard life! Looking for a loving home.