1908 pattern trooper's sword by SB&N Ltd, British (c 1915)

Title	1908 pattern trooper's sword by SB&N Ltd
Nationality	British
Period	c 1915

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This is the classic and final design for the British cavalry, still in use by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery on parade occasions (eg Queen's Birthday Salute). After the Peninsula War, it was realised that very few men survived a thrust through the body and this information heavily influenced the decision to go for a thrusting sword in 1908.

Inasmuch as imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the US adopted the same model of sword, only with a straight double-edged blade and a wood-lined canvas scabbard.

The throat is marked: WSC for Wilkinson Sword Company, together with a 1917 issue stamp; the scabbard is marked EFD for Enfield; and the blade SB&N LTD. There is a 1918, a 1922 and a 1923 issue stamp on the base of the blade, together with a 1915 and a 1940 stamp on the scabbard.

The leather washer at the base of the blade has been replaced, one of the throat screws is missing, and the scabbard has scattered surface rust throughout, now mostly cleaned off. The blade has medium pitting throughout its length, now cleaned bright but still visible. There remains most of the original kahki pain, both to the inside bowl of the hilt, and scattered traces to the face of the guard and pommel, both the latter having surface rust patination. The vulcanite grips have been patched here and there where the surface had decomposed.

The hilt has been carefully dismantled and reassembled for cleaning purposes.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Swords : British : 20th Century]

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