THIS IS A SWORD that appears not to have been designated as an official pattern. Dating from the first quarter of the 19th century, it was the forerunner of the 1856 Pattern Pioneer Sword, and seems to have been the most commonly encountered British sawback pioneer sword style that pre-dates the regulation 1856 Pattern. It was copied from contemporary pioneer sawback swords, particularly those found in French and European armies.
The crude, flattened lionshead pommel is very much indicative of Georgian military styling, as is the pronounced stirrup or rounded knucklebow. It would have been a heavy sword to carry, especially when combined with its leather and brass-mounted scabbard. It had a wide, slightly curved blade with a distinctive saw back whose purpose would have been to cut away light timber and obstructions. As a fighting weapon, it would have been rather ineffective.
Regimental markings are particularly rare with this sword. Most are maker and inspector marked to the blade with Birmingham sword makers such as Hill and Sargant and Thomas Craven commonly noted on their blade spines.
© Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2024