This British Mk1 Drummer’s short sword is marked to the 2nd Battalion of the 36th Regiment of Foot. The 36th Regiment was to become known as the Worcestershire Regiment after 1881.
In contrast to military bandsmen, Drummers were always enlisted soldiers and as such were expected to stand to arms when required. That said, the 1856 pattern Mk1 Drummer’s sword was a woefully inadequate weapon.
The 482mm double-edged straight blade has a flattened diamond section with a pronounced medial ridge and terminates in a spear point. The blade is in reasonable condition, mostly bright with areas of tarnish and pitting along the edges and towards the point.
The spine of the ricasso is stamped with the letter T and a War Department arrow. The ricasso itself has a worn maker’s mark for J. E. Bleckmann of Solingen concealed under the shield languet.
The cruciform brass hilt has vertical ribs and trefoil quillons with Queen Victoria’s Royal cypher on the ecusson. The side of the hilt bears the regimental marking of the 2nd Battalion of the 36th Regiment of Foot, with the date 1867. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its black leather scabbard with brass mounts and engraved teardrop frog stud. The scabbard is in good condition with some minor dings to the brass locket and chape. The leather is strong and the stitching is intact and tight. The brass locket bears the numbers 56 over B7, over 66.
The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
