This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

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Prince Albert recognised the importance of photography to record and document notable exhibitions and works of art

CHARLES THURSTON THOMPSON (1816-68)

Sinhalese sword head

c. 1853-5

Albumen print | 23.0 x 17.9 cm (image) | RCIN 2369574

Photograph of an elaborately decorated Sinhalese kasthāné hilt featuring a lion's head at the top of the handle, and a small phoenix head on the left side of the hilt.

A photograph of this sword hilt by Francis Bedford  exists in the Royal Collection (see RCIN 2906108).

  • Creator(s)

    Charles Thurston Thompson (1816-68) (photographer)

  • 23.0 x 17.9 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Military engineering
          • Arms (weapons)
            • Side arms (weapons)
              • Swords
    • Places
      • Asia
        • Sri Lanka
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • albums
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Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection and welcoming visitors to the royal palaces. We bring our shared history to life through world-class experiences that involve and inspire people, wherever they are. Income from tickets and retail sales helps us to conserve the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone for generations to come.