This Scottish infantry Staff Sergeant’s basket hilted back sword was made in 1912 by Fenton Brothers Ltd of Sheffield, England. The sword utilises the 1892 pattern thrusting blade and was probably used by a senior sergeant in the Scottish Borderers.
The 825mm thrusting blade is of dumbbell form, the first third of the blade having a symmetrical dumbbell-like cross section with a flat spine and belly and a short central fuller. The blade has a wedge-shaped cross section for the last two-thirds of its length and terminates in a narrow, double-edged spear point. The 1892 blade is the ultimate thrusting design and its use continues today with the current, 1897 pattern hilt.
The blade is in very good condition. The forward edges have been service sharpened, as was required of all swords on active service during WW1.
The forte bears the makers’ crest and the details, Fenton Brothers Ltd., Sheffield. Cutlers established 1850. Silversmiths to H.M. Government. The obverse forte is stamped with a Broad Arrow, bend test X, two Enfield inspection marks and three date stamps for 1912, 1914 and 1923. The 1914 date and inspection stamp are likely to be the date that the sword was service sharpened for front-line service in WW1.
The brass basket-hilt is composed of flattened bars united by heart-pierced junction plates. The side plates are incised with saltires. There is very slight distortion to some bars, more as a result of being hand-made than of damage. The shagreen wrapped grip is in good condition and the twisted copper wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its early pattern brown leather field scabbard with German silver throat. The scabbard is in good condition, missing its frog strap and with slight damage to the shoe. The stitching is intact and strong. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a great example of a rare WW1 Scottish infantry staff sergeant’s sword.
