British Mark I 1856 Pattern Drummer's Sword, Royal Fusiliers, Circa 1886 by Mole
Straight unfullered double-edged spear-pointed blade with diamond cross-section, brass hilt with central VR cypher of Queen Victoria, triangular langets and trefoil finials. Longitudinally ribbed brass grip, flared pommel with tang button. Black leather scabbard with brass fittings at throat and chape, the throat piece with teardrop-shaped frog stud.
The brass grip is stamped on one of the narrow, smooth sides with ‘R F. L.COY.’, indicating that this sword was issued to L Company of the Royal Fusiliers, as well as a broad arrow over ‘WD’ which is a War Department stores mark, and a crown inspection stamp. The other smooth side of the grip is marked with what are probably rack numbers including ‘33’. All the grip markings are somewhat faint due to rubbing which has somewhat smoothed the features of the hilt overall – this is probably attributable to repeated polishing of the brass, probably during its service life. The edge of the ricasso is stamped on one side with an illegible mark that may be two overlaid stamps. The throat piece of the scabbard is stamped on one edge with the maker’s mark ‘MOLE’, and next to the throat with the date ‘2 . 1886’ indicating February 1886, probably the manufacture date.
These short swords were issued to drummers of infantry regiments. While the pattern was ordered to be adopted in 1856, there is evidence that similar-looking swords were being carried by musicians in some units as early as 1843, and some units did not actually adopt the new pattern until years after its introduction. Wholly ornamental, an identical version with a cast iron hilt was issued for buglers.
The blade has some light patination in places. The brass hilt and grip has a few tiny spots of patination in recesses, raised areas with overpolishing as previously mentioned. A few small nicks to the unsharpened edge on one side near the midpoint.
The leather of the scabbard remains flexible – take care to support it when withdrawing the blade. Some surface-level flaking and cracking to the leather. All its stitching is intact. The brass pieces of the scabbard have a darker patina. Some dents to the edges of the throat piece. Some light dents and scratches to the chape piece, these creating a few tiny spots of brighter brass. None of these interfere with sheathing and drawing the blade.
