The 1853 pattern British cavalry sword was the first sword to be issued to troopers of both light and heavy cavalry regiments.
The 1853 pattern universal cavalry sword was developed prior to Britain’s entry into the Crimean War (1853-1856). In early 1854, production was stepped up and by the end of the Crimean campaign in 1856, all branches of the British line cavalry had been issued with the sword. This sword is an early production example, made before the end of the conflict.
The 890mm single-edged blade is slightly curved and has a thick, flat spine with a single fuller and terminates in a spear point. The blade is in very good condition, bright and clean with only a few isolated spots of minor tarnish and light scratches towards the point. The blade retains its factory edge.
The spine bears a pre-1856 government ownership mark, a crowned Broad Arrow. The ricasso is stamped with a Liege based factory inspectors stamp. In order to increase production and equip troops with the new pattern sword, Belgian makers, based in Liege were awarded contracts to produce the P1853 at the onset of the Crimean War. British inspectors were sent to oversee production and unofficially, ensure that the factories were not producing arms for the Imperial Russian army.
The iron 3-bar guard comprises a single knuckle bow and two side bars and is in good condition. The solid tang is almost the same width as the blade and is gripped with two leather scales secured by five rivets. The grip scales are firmly in place and are in good condition showing minor use related wear to the leather.
The sword is complete with an iron scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in good condition with mild, speckled tarnish and a shallow ding below the lower suspension ring. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly in the scabbard.
This is a very good example of an increasingly hard to find Crimean War period British cavalry trooper’s sword.
