Irish Army Officer Swords

neilled wrote: »

This is a rather more complex question that might seem to be initially. An officers uniform and sword are purchased privately by that officer, so once it conforms by the official pattern, then its maker is irelevant.

The irish army sword is a derivative of the 1897 british pattern, featuring the same blade with its own unique etching pattern and a much simplified guards style hilt.

Three companies produced it Wilkinson, WKC and Pooley

Wilkinson - regarded as the original and best, Wilkinson made most of the Irish armies swords right up until they went out of business in the middle part of noughties. The blade was carbon steel with a brass hilt and apparently they went through tests to ensure they could withstand combat if needed. Wilkinsons parent company got bought out by a consumer cosmetics giant who quickly decided that having a small division manufacturing 19th century weapons wasn't part of their plan, so quickly closed it down. Regarded as the best quality swords, they show up in auction houses every now and again. Expect to pay 1500+ depending on condition and who it belonged to.

WKC - a german blade manufacturer with a long and impressive history, WKC make the current "issue" sword. When I say issue, this means issued to army officers for required occassions and then returned to stores. As stated earlier, officers may purchase their own sword. Blade is made of stainless steel for easier storage and shinier look and the handguard is brass with gold plating. No polishing or maintainance with this sword when stored in normal conditions, however a stainless blade will not withstand rough useage and if chipped a gold plated handguard will need replating or replacement. Distributor in Ireland is Protac and WKC will insist you go through them.

Pooley/ Windlass. Windlass and pooley are two different companies, however windlass makes the blades for pooley out in India and they are finished in the UK. Blade is of Carbon Steel and a brass handguard. I'm not sure what way they are tested, however this should be tougher than stainless. As per the British Army, Windlass/pooley offer a custom etching in the bottom panel of the blade. This in theory should be the tougher product, however greater care will need to be taken in storage and cleaning if the look is to preserved and that brass will require polishing. Again they have an agent in Ireland who all sales go through. Haven't sold many army pattern swords in a while due to a cadet class hiccup a number of years ago, however I'm told Pooley/Windlass swords have been bought by naval officers in recent times.

Most of the wilkinson staff went to crisp and sons who seem to manufacture to a wilkinson standard, however i hear their prices are eye watering and they aren't producing the Irish pattern at present.

Might I ask why the OP may be after such an item?