This 1890 pattern cavalry troopers’ sword was made in 1897 at the Enfield Small Arms Factory. The sword has an interesting service history. The sword and scabbard are stamped with four separate unit markings, the last being for November 1914.
The 875mm single-edged blade is slightly curved with a wide, three-quarter length fuller. The blade is double-edged for the last 230mm and terminates in a spear point. The blade was service sharpened, and retain its fighting edges. The blade is in very good condition with a few small edge nicks.
The ricasso is stamped with the War Department Broad Arrow, an Enfield factory inspection mark and a bend test X.
The obverse ricasso bears the date stamp for 1897 and two further Enfield inspection stamps.
The sheet steel guard is pierced with the Maltese cross and an oval for a sword knot. The guard is in very good condition and is stamped on the front of the beaked quillon with the EFD maker’s mark, a Broad Arrow and an inspection stamp. The rear of the quillon bears two issue stamps, both being K. A., the first dated October 1913 and the second, November 1914. Below these are issue numbers.
The riveted leather grip scales are firm and in good condition.
The sword is complete with its polished steel scabbard with two fixed rings. The scabbard is in good condition with use-related dings to the forward edge, often caused by contact with the rider’s spurs when at the gallop. The throat bears the cancelled unit markings for Pembrokeshire yeomanry cavalry on one side and S. W. M. BDE. Over T. S. CL and the issue number 6 on the other. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a British 1890 pattern cavalry sword with interesting unit markings, the last date being at the beginning of WW1.
