The main offender for the
introduction in 1831 of the ivory hilted scimitar into British military and
civil ranks must surely be Arthur Wellesley (1769 - 1852), First Duke of
Wellington. This milestone truly marked the beginning in the British Empire
of the adoption of Arabic swords for all manner of senior personnel.
The Duke of Wellington became Commander in Chief for the first time in 1827,
and in his year of office, before being succeeded by Viscount Hill, he
carried his own particular choice of weapon, an Eastern Scimitar with a 'mameluke'
hilt presented to him by an Indian potentate. In 1831, this style of sword
was made regulation for all British General Officers of the rank of Major
General and above.
This museum quality replica has an unsharpened blade of 440 Stainless Steel featuring beautiful etchings on
both sides. One side reads "By Appointment To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Wilkinson Swords.
Handle material: steel with ivory colored plastic handle grips; includes
hole for the knot.
Scabbard material: nickel plated steel
Overall length: 38"
Blade length: 31"
Scabbard length: 32 1/2"
