sword and scabbard

British Pattern 1895[or 1897] British Infantry Officer's sword

description: Infantry Officer Pattern 1895 sword; blade by Wilkinson, marked Wilkinson 1917 GG ISD; engraved George V royal cipher

ref. Robson: fig: 132 (Pattern 1895) and fig. 134-35 = Pattern 1897 (pp.122-123)

blade length and width: 32 ½ in x 1in.

blade type: double edged for last 17 inches; fuller on each side ends 19 inches from point [identical with Infantry Officer Pattern 1892 (see plate 131)]

guard: nickel plated sheet steel, sword knot slit near pommel; left (inner) edge turned down

hilt: three-quarter basket hilt in plated sheet steel, with a scroll pattern design in pierced strapwork incorporating royal cipher and crown

hilt mounts: plated steel

grip: wood covered with fishskin and bound with german-silver wire

scabbard: (dress) plated steel, two narrow bands with loose rings 2 ½ and 10 ¾ inches from point, large shoe

sword weight: 2lb 0oz.

scabbard weight: 1lb 2oz.

Robson p. 121: “in 1897 the Pattern 1895 was modified so that the inner edge was turned over”)

1895 Pattern – Initially issued with the ordinary plated steel scabbard with 2 loose rings intended to be worn from slings. In 1899 a brown leather scabbard was introduced for universal use with service dress. This had a steel chape and locket and a strap to attach it to the frog button of a Same Browne belt; wood lined. In 2901 revised pattern without steel mounts and with a plated steel mouthpiece; the plated steel scabbard was worn only with full dress.

From 1897 there were two versions – a light version with a smaller hilt and narrower blade; the smaller sword had a steel scabbard in proportion.