This 1896 pattern British cavalry sword is regimentally badged and named to Captain V. Vallance of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers. The sword was made between 1901 and 1910 by Robert Mole & Sons of Birmingham, England.
The 895mm blade has a thick, slightly rounded spine and is double-edged for the last 220mm, terminating in a spear point. The spine is 10mm thick at the ricasso, tapering to 6mm before becoming double-edged. The edges have been service sharpened and retain their sharpness.
The blade is etched with trefoil and ogee arches, foliate scrollwork and a rayed crown above the regimental badge, motto and crossed lances of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers. Below this are the ribboned battle honours of the regiment. The obverse of the blade is etched with arches and foliate scrollwork and the royal cypher of King Edward VII. A cartouche bears the owner’s name, V. Vallance.
Captain Vane De Valence Mortimer Vallance served with the 5th Royal Irish Lancers. Plenty of online information is available, making this sword a great research project.
The ricasso bears the etched maker details of Robert Mole & Sons, Birmingham. Makers to the War and India Offices. The obverse ricasso bears the brass, shooting stars proof disk of Robert Mole. The spine is stamped with the Mole serial number, M5137.
The blade is in overall good condition, bright and clean with small patches of very shallow (cleaned) pitting. The etching is worn.
The pierced steel bowl guard is of the “scroll” or “honeysuckle” pattern and retains its original plating. The shagreen grip is in good condition with use-related wear. The back strap is fully knurled and incorporates a knurled oval pommel. The guard is in very good condition. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its leather covered wooden service scabbard. The scabbard is in very good condition with minimal service and age-related wear. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a researchable 1896 pattern cavalry sword by a top English maker and badged to the prestigious 5th Royal Irish Lancers.
