This 1885 pattern cavalry troopers’ sabre is marked to the Fife Light Horse and is complete with its matching unit marked scabbard.
In 1860, to counter the perceived threat of foreign invasion, The Royal Fife Yeomanry Cavalry was redesignated as the Fifeshire Mounted Rifle Volunteers, under the command of the Earl of Rosslyn. In 1870, the Fifeshire Mounted Rifle Volunteers were again redesignated the Fife Light Horse. The regiment saw service during the Anglo-Boer Wars, WW1 and WW2.
The 870mm single-edged blade has a flat spine with a long single fuller and terminates in a spear point. The blade is double-edged for the final 210mm and retains its factory edges. The blade is in excellent condition.
The ricasso is stamped with the War Department ownership mark, a WD below a broad arrow, two Solingen factory inspectors’ marks, a Birmingham repair mark, a star, which indicates that rust is present in the stamped area (there is some minor pitting at the base of the ricasso beneath the blade washer), and the letter, M.
The obverse ricasso bears the maker’s details, Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co., Solingen and the production year 1888. An issue date of April 1889 is also stamped. The spine is stamped with a Solingen inspector’s mark and worn pattern designation.
The sheet steel guard is pierced with the Maltese cross and a sword knot aperture near the pommel. The front of the guard is stamped with a “WD” and Broad Arrow mark. The inside of the guard is marked with 11/96 over the letter V (Volunteer) above FE.L. and the issue number 54. This denotes the issue date of November 1896 and ownership of the Fife Light Horse.
The steel back strap is stamped with the number “6.” The guard is in overall excellent condition with minimal age and use-related marks.
The knurled leather grip scales are held firmly in place with five rivets through the full width tang. Both scales bear inspection marks and are in excellent condition.
The sword is complete with its matching unit marked scabbard. The throat of the scabbard is stamped with, 11/96 over the letter V above FE.L. and the issue number 54. The obverse of the throat is stamped, “MOLE PATENT.” The edge of the throat bears a War Department ownership mark and the pattern designation and the back edge of the scabbard is stamped with a similar WD ownership mark and two Birmingham factory marks.
The scabbard is in over-all very good condition with a pleasing patina. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a great example of an 1885 pattern cavalry troopers’ sword with matching unit marked scabbard.
