Victorian 1857 Engineer pattern swords were carried exclusively by officers of the Royal Engineers. The P1857 was in use for only a short period before the Engineers were required to adopt the standard infantry pattern sword in 1895. This sword was the property of Major Charles Frederick Mould an Engineering officer in the Corps of Submarine Miners and officer commanding the submarine mining units in Hong Kong between 1896 and 1901.
Submarine mining was the term given to the defensive mining of harbours in the Victorian and early Edwardian eras. With their expertise in firing explosive charges underwater, the Royal Engineers became responsible for harbour defences and the laying of underwater (submarine) mines. The Submarine Mining Service became a very specialised field and was not incorporated into the Royal Navy until 1905.
After attending the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich at the age of 18, Charles F Mould followed in his father, Major-General F. Moulds’ footsteps and joined the Royal Engineers. After 18 years of service, Major Charles F. Mould died in 1901 at the age of only 38.
The 830mm single edged blade has a wide fuller on both sides below a flat spine. The blade terminates in a spear point and is etched with multi-foil and ogee arches and foliate scrollwork above the winged lightning bolts of the Royal Artillery & Royal Engineers. The forte bears the initials CFM and armorial device of the Mould family, a demi-lion rampant, guardant.
The obverse of the blade is etched with arches and foliate scrollwork over a flaming grenade motif and the coat of arms of the Royal Family, showing a lion and unicorn rampant with the motto “Dieu et Mon Droit.” The forte bears the crowned Royal cypher of Queen Victoria. The ricasso bears the proof disk of Edward Thurkle, an accomplished and renowned Victorian sword-smith. The obverse ricasso bears the maker’s details, E. Thurkle, Maker. Soho, London.
The blade is in good condition and has a pale patina with small patches of shallow pitting and wear to the etching.
The acanthus leaf guard is in good condition. The shagreen covered grip is in good condition and the twisted wire binding is intact and tight. The brass back strap has the crosshatched thumb rest and pommel characteristic of the Engineer pattern sword.
The sword is complete with its Field Officer’s gilt brass scabbard with two suspension rings. The scabbard is in generally good condition with small, shallow dings and wear consistent with use. The throat of the scabbard is missing the small retaining screws. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a good example of a hard-to-find Royal Engineers pattern sword from a top maker and with a named and researchable officer of the Victorian eras’ elite Submarine Miners.
