Victorian 1857 Engineer pattern swords were carried exclusively by officers of the Royal Engineers. The P1857 was in use for only a short period before the Engineers were required to adopt the standard infantry pattern sword in 1895. This sword was the property of Percy Alexander MacMahon, an Engineering officer in the Corps of Submarine Miners.
Submarine mining was the term given to the defensive mining of harbours in the Victorian and early Edwardian eras. With their expertise in firing explosive charges underwater, the Royal Engineers became responsible for harbour defences and the laying of underwater (submarine) mines. The Submarine Mining Service became a very specialised field and was not incorporated into the Royal Navy until 1905.
The 830mm single edged blade has a wide fuller on both sides below a flat spine. The spine bears the bespoke order number 98777. The blade terminates in a spear point and is deeply etched with ribbons, floral and foliate scrollwork encompassing the crowned Royal cypher of Queen Victoria and the Royal coat of arms. The obverse of the blade bears winged lightning bolts and “Submarine Miners” amidst banners and floral scrollwork. The forte bears the initials of the owner, Captain Percy Alexander MacMahon. The ricasso bears the proof slug of Septimus John Pillin, an accomplished and renowned Victorian sword-smith.
The blade is in excellent, near mint condition and is firm in the hilt.
The attractive acanthus leaf guard is in very good condition with some wear to the gilding. The shagreen covered grip is in excellent condition and the twisted wire binding is intact and tight. The brass back strap has the crosshatched thumb rest and pommel characteristic of the Engineer pattern sword.
The sword is complete with its original steel dress scabbard with two suspension rings. The scabbard is in great condition with small areas of tarnish and loss to the nickel plating. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is an excellent example of a hard to find Royal Engineers pattern sword from a top maker and with a named and researchable officer of the Victorian eras’ elite Submarine Miners.
