British 1896 Pattern Mountain Artillery Sword

A NEW SWORD FOR ENLISTED RANKS serving in Mountain Artillery Batteries was introduced in 1896.  The 1896 Pattern Mountain Artillery Sword was used by soldiers manning guns in mountainous areas, particularly in North West India and Afghanistan, where they were effective in inaccessible locations.  The smaller calibre of the artillery used by mountain batteries meant that the soldiers had to fire and manage the guns whilst on bended knee so prior to the introduction of the new pattern, a curved sword had always been used.  This practical necessity continued with the 1896 Pattern  and it has a curved blade of around 30 inches, flat-backed and double-edged towards the point.  The hilt is iron with a D-shaped knucklebow and a ribbed grip.  It was housed in a black leather and brass-mounted scabbard.

For native troops stationed in India the pattern was altered, with a brass, stirrup hilt and heavy leather (probably locally made) scabbard.  Many are stamped “M.B.” (Mountain Battery) on the rear hilt guard.  Most examples were manufactured by either Robert Mole & Sons or Wilkinson Sword and have re-issue dates for WW1.

© Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2024

Taken from The British Sword – From 1600 to the Present Day – An Illustrated History by Harvey J S Withers – 12,000 full colour photographs – 884 pages

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