Scarce Handkerchief Cutter Sword with 33” Long Thin Curved Blade and Leather Covered Scabbard by Henry Wilkinson - Engraved with RUDGE Family Crest
Here on offer is a scarce handkerchief cutter sword with an impressive 33” long slightly curved blade and a leather covered scabbard by Henry Wilkinson.
What really sets this sword apart from other swords is its fine curved single-edged steel blade of flattened diamond section, making it a very thin and flexible blade. Please see the last few photos that I have tried to show the flexibility the blade has.
"Handkerchief swords" where often referred to in historical contexts as handkerchief cutters or silk cutters. They were made in the 19th-century and the blades were made of highly refined carbon steel or crucible steel.
They were specifically designed to be extremely sharp and light, capable of severing a silk handkerchief thrown into the air.
They were used at sword feats, popular during the Victorian period, to demonstrate cutting skill and blade sharpness. Sword feats were often incorporated into a larger “Assault of Arms” which would also feature fencing with various swords, singlesticks, and bayonets.
Now on one side of the blade near the ricasso it is engraved with the RUDGE family crest and Latin motto,
The crest depicts a stone crown with a pair of raised arms, holding a shield.
The motto “IN CRUCE FIDES” translates to “FAITH IN THE CROSS”.
Just further up the blade it has the name “N. RUDGE ESQ D.L.” engraved who was clearly the distinguished owner of the sword.
My understanding is that a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) is an unpaid, honorary officer appointed by a Lord-Lieutenant to assist them as the Monarch's representative in a UK county or region. They are chosen for their outstanding community or public service and help with ceremonial duties, royal visits, and community projects, usually retiring at age 75.
I can’t find any reference to a N. Rudge, but it warrants further researching.
Now on the other side of the blade, it is maker marked:
WILKINSON
PALL MALL
LONDON
on the ricasso.
Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London, was a prestigious 19th-century sword-making company, famously located at 27-28 Pall Mall, London.
Founded initially as a gun-making business by Henry Nock in 1772, later becoming Wilkinson Sword, with the iconic crossed swords logo introduced in 1924.
They produced high-quality military swords, revolvers, and guns, and were recognized for setting high standards in sword manufacturing, often incorporating etched blades, fish skin grips, and high-quality steel.
Then further up the blade it is engraved inside a foliated scroll with:
HANDKERCHIEF CUTTER
The blade is in excellent condition with just some slight areas of darkening to the finish and the cutting edge is now slightly blunt, but can be easily sharpened.
The hilt has a D shaped brass knuckle guard and curved quillion. It has a stepped brass pommel with a top button and a black shagreen (fish skin) covered grip, all in excellent condition.
The black leather stitched scabbard has brass upper and lower fittings. There is a slight crease about half way down the scabbard but it is still firm and solid and the blade fits well when inserted. There is just a slight gap at the top between the scabbard throat and the brass guard, due to slight leather shrinkage over the years and probably a missing leather scabbard buffer pad.
This is a very rare sword to find in such excellent condition and with a prestigious Rudge family connection, that warrants further researching.
The steel blade measures 33” (84cm) long and the whole sword (blade in scabbard) measures 39.25” (99.7cm).
It weighs 800g.
Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.
Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.
The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.
Code: 52274