British 1856 Pattern Pioneer Sawback Side Arm/Sword.

A really nice untouched example with the blade having a good amount of staining but no pitting into the blade surface. The cutting edge has some minor sharpening looking to be period done. The blade on one side under the cross guard is stamped to the Wilkinson firm, London with month stamp ''2'' and date stamp ''00''. The brass cross guard has had a minor knock with the same date stamp ''00''. Brass handle is in nice condition with its 4 rivets. The period leather scabbard has supple leather and tight stitching, the top surface finish has crazed revealing the brown leather underneath. Bottom chape is solid with a couple of knocks. Top chape again fixed solid to the leather is month stamped''12'' and date stamped''1897''. Dates would make it a sound candidate for use in the Boer War. Years ago a good amount of these sawbacks where found and you can find them for sale on the internet with heavy cleaned brass handles, buffed blades and refinished scabbard leather. What we have here is a completely untouched example.