This 1895 Pattern sword is the predecessor to the 1897 pattern which remains the current British army issue sword to this day.
The 1895 pattern sword was produced for less than 2 years before being replaced with the 1897 pattern which had the inner edge of the guard turned down to prevent excessive wear to the officers' uniform which was a common complaint with the P1895. Many officers when commissioning their P1895 sword had the inner part of the hilt narrowed to reduce wear on their uniform and allow the sword to sit more comfortably on the hip.
The 32 inch / 82 cm dumbbell shaped blade has a deep central fuller and spear point which remains in good overall condition with mild age tarnishing. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The half basket hilt with scroll and pierced strap work is in excellent condition and wears the cipher of Queen Victoria. The ray skin and twisted wire grip are in equally good condition.
The sword maker is unknown but the blade bears the British war department broad arrow, bend test and Enfield inspection stamps indicating that this sword was army issue and probably saw service during the Anglo – South African (Boer) War. Lacking scabbard.
