Victorian Era Infantry Officer’s Sword?

[Ken Maddock]

Hi
Looks like a British 1854 pattern infantry officers sword to me
Blades on these varied from light, walking out blades to fighting blades
What do you think it looks like
Not sure on scabbard though

Regards
Ken

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by Ken Maddock

Hi
Looks like a British 1854 pattern infantry officers sword to me
Blades on these varied from light, walking out blades to fighting blades
What do you think it looks like
Not sure on scabbard though

Regards
Ken

Thanks Ken,
The guard doesn't exactly match the British 1854 pattern that I've found online. It looks to be something close to a 1822 pattern or 1854 pattern but not an exact match. I don't feel qualified to give an opinion on the blade, but it seems just as sharp as my Civil War Era, Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber.

[RobertGuy]

I would say it is an 1854 but the hilt looks to have been banged about a bit and seems missing a couple of the finer embellishments. The very plain blade leads me to think it may be a sergeant's sword rather than the usual officers's pattern. I would agree that the scabbard is not original.

[Ken Maddock]

hi
I have had a few of these and be v careful if trying to un bend the brass
it is so brittle and very difficult to straighten
and if brazing it melts at a lower temp than normal brass brazing rods
is there a proof slug in the blade
regards
Ken

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by Ken Maddock

hi
I have had a few of these and be v careful if trying to un bend the brass
it is so brittle and very difficult to straighten
and if brazing it melts at a lower temp than normal brass brazing rods
is there a proof slug in the blade
regards
Ken

Thanks Ken Maddock!

When it comes to antiques, I feel better not trying to "unbend" anything. There are no markings on the blade.

[RobertGuy]

Dana
Looking for examples of this hilt style I noticed that it actually conforms to a rifle officer's sword hilt but without the stringed bugle emblem and not made of steel! Robson's Swords of the British Army states that there were slight hilt variations and this may just be one makers take on the regulation hilt. I also noted that the Royal Army Medical Corps carried the same pattern and the 1892 version is exactly the same hilt as yours. (Robson 1st edition, plate 172).

I was looking more closely at your photo and the blade tip looks almost like it has a 'yelman' (flattened back with central ridge) and yet it does not seem to have a pipe back blade. Is it just my failing eyesight?

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by RobertGuy

Dana
Looking for examples of this hilt style I noticed that it actually conforms to a rifle officer's sword hilt but without the stringed bugle emblem and not made of steel! Robson's Swords of the British Army states that there were slight hilt variations and this may just be one makers take on the regulation hilt. I also noted that the Royal Army Medical Corps carried the same pattern and the 1892 version is exactly the same hilt as yours. (Robson 1st edition, plate 172).

I was looking more closely at your photo and the blade tip looks almost like it has a 'yelman' (flattened back with central ridge) and yet it does not seem to have a pipe back blade. Is it just my failing eyesight?

Thanks for the great info RobertGuy.

I've post some closeups of the tip for you these are enlargements from a small area of the original photos. I played with the brightness and lighting a little bit.

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by RobertGuy

I would say it is an 1854 but the hilt looks to have been banged about a bit and seems missing a couple of the finer embellishments. The very plain blade leads me to think it may be a sergeant's sword rather than the usual officers's pattern. I would agree that the scabbard is not original.

Thanks RoberGuy!

Most of the pattern 1854s that I have found online have an additional embellishment in the guard, but I've just found one who's guard matches this one. I'll look into the "sergeant's sword" angle.