This 1890 pattern cavalry troopers’ sword was issued to a trooper of Q Battery, Royal Horse Artillery.
Q Battery RHA saw service in the Boer war between 1899 and 1901. On 31 March 1900 the battery laid down fire to rescue General Broadwater's force from a Boer ambush at Koorn Spruit, near Sanna's Post. As a result of their timely action, Q Battery was awarded the honour title of “Sanna’s Post,” a title it retains today.
The 875mm single-edged blade is slightly curved with a wide, three-quarter length fuller. The blade is double-edged for the last 230mm and terminates in a spear point. The blade was service sharpened, and retain its fighting edges. The blade is in very good condition with only minor tarnish at the ricasso.
The ricasso is stamped with the War Department Broad Arrow, an Enfield factory inspection mark and a bend test X.
The obverse ricasso bears the date stamp for 1895 and 1899 along with two further Enfield inspection stamps and a Birmingham refurbishment stamp. The issue dates for this sword indicate that it was in service during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).
The sheet steel guard is pierced with the Maltese cross and an oval for a sword knot. The guard is in good condition and is stamped on the front of the beaked quillon with the War Department’s ownership WD and Broad Arrow. The rear of the quillon bears the regimental stamp, RHA over Q over 13.
The riveted leather grip scales are firm and in good condition.
The sword is complete with its matching steel scabbard with two fixed rings. The scabbard is in good condition with some use-related dings. The throat bears the unit mark, Q. RHA 13. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a British 1890 pattern cavalry trooper’s sword that saw active service during the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa.
