1908 new to me.

Tim Simmons · 20th March 2026, 04:00 PM

Thanks Jim.

It appears that the first German killed ww1 was by the 1908. Mine is made by Mole. I have read that they were used at the start of ww1 and then again towards end.

Will M · 20th March 2026, 04:56 PM

Officers did use trooper swords in WW1 This example is quite nice with its leather scabbrd or is it a steel scabbard covered in leather? The steel ones had their rings removed. The plated bowl guard was likely done post war for parading.
Nice or ugly, purposeful to a point !! Every British sword collection needs a 1908p with the officer version being scarse.
By chance are there the officers initials anywhere on the sword, scabbard or bag?

Jim McDougall · 20th March 2026, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Thanks Jim.

It appears that the first German killed ww1 was by the 1908. Mine is made by Mole. I have read that they were used at the start of ww1 and then again towards end.

It is also odd that lancers were still key units in WWI, with German uhlans having remarkably long steel lances. The British Indian army lancer units were also prevalent and I have several of the bamboo lances from these.

Will M · 20th March 2026, 10:09 PM

H. Mc C.B looks like initials that are particular to one officer. With some work you should be able to find him. Luckily far less cavalry units than infantry.

Tim Simmons · 25th March 2026, 12:26 PM

Is it cheesy of me to replace the rotten leather knot with a new one? Similarish?

Will M · 26th March 2026, 03:04 PM

Tim if your purpose is to have a pristine display then adding a new knot, possibly refinishing the sword, it's up to you.
For myself I collect originality, I do not disassemble or replace parts as originality to me has more value. I do value a conserved sword having corrosion removed.
Typically leather items degrade and much of it has been disposed of before you acquire a sword. Original sword knots in decent condition have value, they are only original once.
There are completely refurbished swords either for display or current use by an officer. That serves a different purpose than collecting original swords.

25th March 2026, 12:26 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,992	Is it cheesy of me to replace the rotten leather knot with a new one? Similarish? Attached Images

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20th March 2026, 04:00 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,992	Thanks Jim. It appears that the first German killed ww1 was by the 1908. Mine is made by Mole. I have read that they were used at the start of ww1 and then again towards end.

20th March 2026, 04:56 PM	#2
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 431	Officers did use trooper swords in WW1 This example is quite nice with its leather scabbrd or is it a steel scabbard covered in leather? The steel ones had their rings removed. The plated bowl guard was likely done post war for parading. Nice or ugly, purposeful to a point !! Every British sword collection needs a 1908p with the officer version being scarse. By chance are there the officers initials anywhere on the sword, scabbard or bag?

20th March 2026, 10:09 PM	#4
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 431	H. Mc C.B looks like initials that are particular to one officer. With some work you should be able to find him. Luckily far less cavalry units than infantry.

26th March 2026, 03:04 PM	#6
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 431	Tim if your purpose is to have a pristine display then adding a new knot, possibly refinishing the sword, it's up to you. For myself I collect originality, I do not disassemble or replace parts as originality to me has more value. I do value a conserved sword having corrosion removed. Typically leather items degrade and much of it has been disposed of before you acquire a sword. Original sword knots in decent condition have value, they are only original once. There are completely refurbished swords either for display or current use by an officer. That serves a different purpose than collecting original swords.