On offer is and In overall very good condition is this exceptionally well made 1897 Pattern Victorian British Infantry Officer's Sword by Hawkes & Co. The ricasso is famously etched "To the Queen Hawkes & Co Piccadilly London" and most likely the sword was manufactured for the retailer by Wilkinson. 

The 32 1/4 inch blade is in very good condition, very clean and unsharpened with outstandingly crisp and elaborate acid etched motifs. The steel hilt /guard in very good shape, featuring the prominent cypher of Voctoria Regina. The fishskin and twisted grip wire are both very good.

As a nice bonus, this 1897 Pattern sword comes with its original British Army Infantry Officers Nickel Plated parade scabbard, as opposed to the more commonly seen leather field scabbard. The scabbard and steel fittings are in good order. Also interesting is the the elaborate basket-style guard (steel or iron, I assume) features matching matte nickel plating, whereas the vast majority of these surviving example have been polished to a high sheen. There is some light speckling oxidation throughout this nickel finish on both scabbard & guard.

Original leather washer is present at the hilt and the sword draws very well from the scabbard, nicely firming towards being fully sheathed. Best quality hexagonal brass proof slug is present in the typical recessed Wilkinson manner. 

Overall, a really nice and ultra collectible Victorian-era 1897 British Infantry Officer's sword with uncommon matching nickel-pated scabbard. Make it yours today!