Internet Sword Collectors Association

Sword of the Month:

British Drummer Sword Mark I Pattern of 1856

Contributed by Garth D. (USA)

This sword is a musicians sword, specifically a British Army drummer's sword, pattern of 1856. This specific sword is from the 21st (Royal Scots Fusiliers) Regiment of the British Army. Th 1856 pattern of sword is basically an ornamental pattern, not being intended for use as a fighting weapon. The blade is about 19 inches long, straight with a general "flattened diamond" cross section for most of its length. The blade width at the ricasso is about 1 3/8 inches. The blade is smooth and-unornamented and terminates in a sharp angled point. (Please note that other examples of this pattern have been seen with acid etching on the blade and with more fo a spear point). The hilt is of an ornamented cruciform or "gladius" style made entirely of brass. The quillons terminate in trefoils. (Note that in this example, one of the quillons is slightly bent) The langets are molded with the cypher of Queen Victoria. The scabbard is black leather with brass mounts. This particular piece is marked on the side of the grip with a regimental number, "RSF 21" and a rack or sword number. The rack / sword number is also stamped into the top of the throat of the scabbard. Note that the same sword pattern was used by buglers, with the exception that the hilt was made of steel rather than brass.

This pattern was superceded by a similar pattern in 1895 that incorporated a smooth handle rather then the ornamented handle of the 1856 pattern.

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