Original Item: Only One Available. Just out of an old collection, as found! This is a very nice example of the British Pattern of 1885 Cavalry Sword, complete with the original double ringed all steel scabbard. This pattern was one of the last Victorian issue cavalry swords issued by the British Army and saw service in the Mahdist War. The design features a slightly curved blade, a full sheet metal bowl guard, hard plastic type black grip plates. Shortly after this, Britain adopted the P-1899 Sword, similar to this sword, so the service life of the P1885 was rather short.
This particular sword is marked with BROAD ARROW / EFD on the ricasso as well as various inspectors markings and different dates. The spine of the blade has a date of 1890 with inspector dates ranging from 1897 to 1944! The tip of the sword was rounded off, so we believe this could have been used in training much later.
Condition of the sword is very nice, with a lovely patina, and areas of light staining. The grips are in great shape, with only minor wear, and the heavy bowl guard shows no real damage. The scabbard has fared slightly worse, with a widespread pitting on the outside, and some dents. However it is still solid, and protects the blade well.
A very nice example, ready to display!
Specifications:
Blade length: 33 ¼”
Overall length: 39”
Basket dimensions: 5″ width x 6” length
Scabbard length: 35 ½”