This is a scarce British Indian police officer’s 1892 pattern sword. These swords were carried by British police officers while serving in India. India service police swords followed the same patterns as British army swords of the period of service. The only difference being the replacement of the British monarch’s cypher in the guard and on the blade, with the stylised initials IP for Indian Police.
The 840mm thrusting blade is of dumbbell form, having a symmetrical cross section with a flat spine and belly and a short central fuller. The blade becomes wedge shaped for approximately two-thirds of its length and terminates in a narrow spear point. The 1892 blade is the ultimate thrusting design and its use continues today with the current, 1897 pattern hilt.
The blade is in very good condition with only a few small spots of tarnish and some almost imperceptible pitting towards the point. The blade is etched with panels of foliate scrollwork and the royal crown above the intertwined initials, IP above a rose and crossed laurel and acanthus fronds. The obverse is similarly etched. The ricasso bears a white metal proof stud showing a central Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross is known to be a symbol used by makers from Sheffield, England.
The steel Gothic hilt is in good condition and retains its original Nikel plating. The guard bears the crowned IR cypher of the Indian Police, above a rose. The knurled back strap incorporates a domed oval pommel and button. The shagreen grip is in good condition and the brass wire binding is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its brown leather covered wooden scabbard with Nikel plated locket. The chape is unfortunately absent and there is wear to the leather at the bottom. The scabbard is in overall good condition with age and use-related wear and scuffs to the leather. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very nice example of a scarce, late Victorian British Raj Indian police officer’s sword.
£395.00
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