British 1904/07/11 Pattern Gymnasia Swords

IN A SERIES OF CHANGES to earlier patterns of Gymnasia swords, the 1904, 1907 and 1911 Pattern swords included alterations to both the hilt, grip and blade.  The 1904 Pattern was virtually identical to the 1899 Pattern Gymnasia Sword but now removed the hilt perforations seen on the previous pattern.  The blade was also stiffened slightly.

This was subsequently replaced by the 1907 Pattern, Marks I and II.  It now had a new grip, much thinner than the 1904 Pattern and made from a hollow aluminium-alloy.  There was also a slot to the top of the pommel that allowed the insertion of a screwdriver to unscrew and release the blade when a replacement was required.  The blades also had a button at the end to ensure safety when used and the Mark II version exhibited a stiffer blade.

The final pattern to be introduced was the 1911 Pattern Gymnasia Sword which differed with regards to the grip that now emulated the ergonomic pistol grip of the 1908 Pattern Cavalry Trooper’s Sword.  This was made from aluminium-alloy and had a chequered pattern.

© 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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