UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons European Edged Weapons 1856 British Drummer's Sword Question

Here's my latest toy. Now for the homework. Anyone good at deciphering British Army stampings?

This is the stamping I need read, Under the crown is BR 10. Any ideas?

The top * mark signifies " OBSOLETE / SOLD OUT OF SERVICE " and the bottom crown stamping is an inspection stamp ( Probably Birmingham! ).
Nice condition and unusual to find one with its scabbard
Regards

Thanks for the info so quickly. It's one I'll just put away in the retirement pile. I have only found a few on the internet. Usually between $350-1000, depending on condition & stampings. This one was made by Robert Mole from Birmingham so you are probably correct.

The cypher to the langets are that of Queen Victoria, which I am sure you are aware and this is the earlier pattern 1856. The later pattern was of a smooth finish to the grip, normally these have regimental or company stampings to either the grip or scabbard, or both and can be used to assign a regiment i.e AMC145 ( Army medical corp ) or BW543 ( The Black watch ). The rarer version is the steel rather than brass model used by buglers, and I am yet to see one of them on EBAY . Intended as a dress pattern sword although I remember reading somewhere that they were also used in battle.

This one has 65.3 stamped in the side of the grip and 6.25 stamped on the drag. I took those to be rack numbers.

Very nice piece and discussion. Thank you
Jim

One more question concerning this sword. Does anyone have a photo of the correct type of frog or hanger that was used with this sword? I bought a buff white frog from a dealer at the SOS that he insisted was the corect one. Unfortunately, I had left the sword home. Now I have a bayonet frog that I didn't need. Any help will be appreciated.

Here you go

that frog is not correct it is for snider enfield and martini enfield

PAUL

Paul:
If that frog is not the correct one, can you tell me where to find a photo it? This is the third site that I've posted my question and so far you two are the only ones to respond. Thanks for your help.

Hi I don't have a pic handy but it is an over the shoulder rig with the frog integril.

PAUL

That photo was taken at the museum of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Museum at Bodmin, Cornwall. Note the bugle on the hilt.

I would imagine that the museum knew what they were doing when they put the display together. A very bold statement to say they are wrong with nothing to back up your hypothesis.

I stand by my statement, museums do what they can with what they have ecpecially regimental museums sorry to bother you

PAUL