This sword is a scarce staff sergeant’s pattern made at the beginning of World War One. There is some confusion as to the pattern designation of these swords, some describing it as being an 1897 with solid guard, while others designate it as being an 1898 or 1905 pattern. The blades of the latter two pattern swords differ substantially from this example, which uses the same blade as the officer’s 1897 pattern sword. The guard, while solid, is similar in shape to that of the officer’s 1897 pattern and as such, I will describe it as being an 1897 pattern, solid guard Staff Sergeant’s sword.
The 825mm single edged blade has a slightly rounded belly and spine with a short central fuller on both sides. The blade is double-edged for the last 150mm and terminates in a spear point. The plain, fighting blade is in very good condition. The edge was service sharpened.
The ricasso is etched with the maker’s mark of the Fenton Brothers Ltd., Sheffield. The obverse ricasso is stamped with a broad arrow, a crowned Enfield inspection mark, Bend test X and the date 1 ’15 (January 1915).
The plain steel guard is in excellent condition and bears the royal cypher of King George V. The inside of the knuckle bow is stamped ‘Fenton Bros Ltd Sheffield’ on the edge of the sword knot slot. The shagreen wrapped grip is in excellent condition and the three strands of twisted copper wire are intact and tight.
The sword is complete with its brown leather covered field service scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition with scuffs and marks consistent with its age and use. The bottom of the leather shoe is turned over from being stood on its tip and the frog strap has perished and is partly torn. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly from the scabbard.
This is a great example of a scarce WW1 Staff Sergeant’s sword.
