Product Details
WILKINSON, LONDON
A SCARCE BRITISH PATTERN 1870 'LEAD-CUTTER' SWORD, no visible serial number,
last quarter of the 19th century, with broad, slightly curved 29in. spear-point blade false edged for the last 10in. and etched near the forte with 'LEAD CUTTER' in a banner above 'WILKINSON, PALL MALL LONDON' (heavy staining and discolouration, no stamped blade-weight), the sheet iron basket hilt with later black paint (losses and flaking), ribbed iron grip and complete with its leather scabbard (missing tip)
Other Notes: Often mistaken for naval cutlasses, the lead cutter sword was used purely for training the would be swordsman in cutting techniques against various thicknesses of lead bar. Once mastered, the swordsman would progress to sheep carcasses. Made in four weights (usually numbered from '1' to '4'), the heaviest 'Lead Cutter' weighed in at over 4lbs.
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Estimate £200-300