This is an interesting cut down P1845. Why it was cut down and exactly when is anybody’s guess. The broken sword was possibly re-purposed for use in the trenches of WW1. This theory is partially supported by the presence of a 1907 style chape on the scabbard. The body of the scabbard however is older, probably mid-19th Century, as is the accompanying leather frog.
The 350mm, shortened blade has a flat spine with upper false edge and terminates in a hatchet point. The final 30mm of the upper edge is sharpened. The blade is in good condition with speckled tarnish and retains a fighting edge.
The 1845 pattern gothic hilt is of the earlier, folding type and is in good condition with age and use-related dings and marks. The action of the folding section of the guard is crisp. The shagreen wrapped grip is in good condition with slight staining and wear to the shagreen. The copper wire binding is intact and tight.
The sword is complete with its leather scabbard, that appears to be a shortened 1856 pattern scabbard or similar. The steel chape appears to be from a 1907 pattern bayonet scabbard, suggesting that the sword was used during WW1 as a personal trench weapon.
The scabbard is in good condition and comes complete with a black leather frog. The frog is a mid-19th Century pattern. The frog is in worn condition with crazing to its finish.
The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an interesting and nicely shortened sword, possibly a WW1 trench weapon.
