Victorian Piquet Weight Infantry Officer's Sword by Pillin

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EL6105 - A mid-Victorian infantry officer's sword, by Pillin, in so-called piquet weight. Piquet weight swords are not greatly understood, as they are often described as 'dress swords', due to being narrower and lighter than the regulation width. However, this example, like most, carried a proof slug showing that it has been tested and proved for use and there is at least one documented example of one being used in combat (during the Indian Mutiny).

This is a nice example of the type, in generally good condition, with some staining to the blade and a little loss to the grip wire. The hilt and blade are solid and clean and bright. Pillin were a top maker of the time and rivals of Wilkinson. This carries the number 1857 to the spine, which could be a date, but I think unlikely considering that Pillin do not really seem to have started making swords until 1862 (though it's possible they started a bit earlier).