EL7378 - A superb Wilkinson presentation sword for Lieut-Colonel William Gordon Ross of the Royal Engineers, to celebrate his graduation from the Royal Military Academy in 1862. Ross was born in 1843 and commissioned as an officer in 1862, when he was awarded this sword. He became an instructor at the Royal Military Academy, and was created Lieutenant-Colonel in 1887. From 1887 to 1889 he was with the Bengal Engineers, and thereafter retired in 1890. There are various photos of Ross available from the British Library. Ross wrote various works, including 'Practical Solid Geometry' around 1887, as then Professor of Geometrical Drawing and Fortification at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich. The sword is absolutely stunning, Wilkinson's top work and with extra elaborate etching to the blade as was fitting of a presentation sword. The 32.5 inch blade is bright and clean, with very crisp etching and only a couple of minor corrosion spots near the very tip. It is firm in the hilt and there is not movement in any part of the assembly. The blade carried both the 1862 dedication for exemplary conduct as well as Ross' own family crest and motto. The sword has been professionally service sharpened during its life, but this has not affected the etching. The hilt is of standard 1857 pattern, with a steel washer under the leather washer (an option that Wilkinson offered). The grip shagreen is excellent and still quite dark, and all the gilt copper wire is intact and tight. The original scabbard is present and sheathes well, though there are the expected dents to the steel and brass as would be expected from nearly 30 years of service! A really fantastic example of the pattern, with lots of research potential.
