The British military has had several patterns of saw-back bayonets but only one saw-back sword. The pattern 1856 infantry Pioneers’ short sword (hanger) was issued to the Pioneers within each infantry battalion. These swords were also issued to the Royal Navy between 1864 & 1914. This example was made by Robert Mole of Birmingham, England and issued to the Royal Navy.
The 574mm blade has 27 pairs of saw teeth, extending for 390mm from the ricasso. The blade is double-edged for the last 165mm and terminates in a spear point. The saw teeth remain very sharp and the blade retains its upper and lower service sharpened edges. The spine bears the MOLE maker’s name. Robert Mole & Sons, of Birmingham were a prominent British sword maker and received numerous War Department contracts.
The ricasso is stamped with the War Department arrow, WD and a bend test X. The obverse ricasso bears a Birmingham inspectors stamp and the date 1893. The blade is bright and rust free with patches of cleaned pitting.
The blades’ full width tang is hilted with ribbed brass grip scales, held in place by four steel rivets. The pommel is stamped with the letter, N. Indicating that it was issued to the Royal Navy. The obverse of the pommel bears an inverted arrows, sold out of service stamp.
The sword is complete with its brass mounted leather scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition with use-related scuffs and wear. The leather is stamped with the War Department arrow and worn inspection mark. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a reasonable example of a scarce British Pioneers sword marked as naval issue.
