WW1 Era 1908 India Pattern Cavalry Sword by Wilkinson

Always interesting and scarce these India Pattern Cavalry Troopers Swords made for the Indian cavalry. This one is a scarce early pattern, modified from the general 1908 pattern cavalry sword in 19 18 especially for the Indian Cavalry and marked on the back of blade close to the guard with 'IP 08'. The hilt is smaller than the general 1908 pattern to fit the smaller hand of the Indian cavalryman with a smaller gip which is usually made from a composite material, early plastics, but this one has the earlier walnut wooden grip. It has a steel guard, most have been polished but this one still has most of its original drab paint remaining. It has a long straight blade with a long single fuller on both sides. It is well marked on the ricasso with the makers mark of 'Wilkinson Pal Mal' on one side, the other side, along with various proof marks has the date of May 1918. The blade is in lovely condition with no rust and has a distinctive small of old oil. It has its original painted two ring scabbard, here there is some light pitting to the paint and some scratches, but again, most of its original paint remains. These along with everything else are being reproduced, so it is so good to see one in its untouched original state. It measures a total of 43 inches long in scabbard. Shipping to UK mainland only via courier priced now due to rising costs at £21.95