This is an excellent example of an P1890 cavalry troopers’ sword made in 1891 at the Enfield Small Arms Factory. The sword had a long service history and retains its original, matching scabbard.
The sword and scabbard are stamped with the regimental marking; S.S. above, A. S. C., which I believe denotes the supernumerary staff of the Army Service Corps. A member of the supernumerary staff was a Warrant Officer, a high-ranking NCO.
The clean 875mm single-edged blade is slightly curved with a wide, three-quarter length fuller. The blade is double-edged for the last 230mm and terminates in a spear point. The edges were service sharpened, presumably for service in the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa.
The blade is in very good condition and retains its fighting edges.
The ricasso is stamped with the War Department WD and a broad arrow, an Enfield factory inspection mark and a bend test X.
The obverse ricasso has many date stamps and reissue inspection marks. The initial stamp shows the date of manufacture as being 1891. The final dated stamp is for 1913. This sword had a long service.
The sheet steel guard is pierced with the Maltese cross and an oval for a sword knot. The guard is in very good condition and is stamped on the beaked quillon with 18H. Behind this is an issue number, 1252 and the faint unit marking S. S. A. S. C.
The riveted leather grip scales are firm and in good used condition.
The sword is complete with its matching steel scabbard with two fixed rings. The scabbard is in very good condition and is marked on the throat with S. S., over A. S. C. and the issue number 1252. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very good example of a British 1890 pattern cavalry sword with a long service history beginning with the Anglo-Boer War and on into WW1.
