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sword, pioneer

human history
  • Other Name

    British Pattern 1830 [?] Pioneers Hanger, c.1831

  • Description

    Pioneer sword; circa 1831 no scabbard; saw-back blade; torch; widened tip; brass stirrup hilt; lion's head

    markings on top of blade: H. RENDELL

  • Place
    England
  • Accession Date
    1883
  • Other Id

    W2393 (war)

    10972 (ethnology)

  • Department

    History

    War History

Images and documents

Artefact

  • Credit Line
    gift of the Colonial Office, London, 1883
  • Primary Maker

     unknown (Swordsmith)

  • Place
    England
  • Date
    1830
  • Associated Notes

    British Pioneer Sword, c.1830

    ref.: Robson: fig: 181

    blade length and width: 22 ½ in x 1 ½ in.

    guard: brass

    grip: brass

    sword weight: 2lb 7 oz.

    By 1780s pioneers had become an integral part of every infantry regiment. Basic tools of trade were saws and axes, but they also fought and carried weapons, including swords and muskets.

    1784, swords withdrawn from infantry privates and also from pioneers but a new saw-back short sword began to appear for pioneers and engineers on the Continent. Provided a saw for working purposes and a weapon for defence. Adopted by British Army as early as 1820.

    The first and only regulation pattern - the Sword, Pioneers, Brass Hilt, was introduced in 1856, when it replaced the musket.

    See p.171 Robson for full description.

    Pioneer

    Oxford: Member of infantry group serving to prepare road for main body of troops.

  • Period

    Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901)/English reign

  • Signature/marks

    H. RENDELL

  • Media

    brass (alloy)/copper alloy/nonferrous metal/metal/inorganic material

  • Measurement Reading

    685mm

    565mm

  • Classification

    Sword

    Edged Weapons

    Armaments

    05 Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology

    sword, pioneer

    sword

    edged

    arms & armaments

  • Last Update
    15 May 2023
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