The Mountain Artillery Sabre was introduced in 1896 for all ranks of the mountain artillery batteries. Two patterns of this sword were made, one for the British Mountain Artillery – arguably the rarest British regulation pattern sword, and one for the British army’s Indian Mountain Battery. The India pattern sabre is more commonly encountered, although still scarce. These swords were issued to British & Indian troops during campaigns on the North West frontier and in WW1.
This sword is the scarce India pattern Mountain Battery sabre, made by Robert Mole of Birmingham. The sword is in good condition and is complete with its matching scabbard.
The 760mm broad, curved blade has a flat spine and a wide, single fuller on both sides. The shoulder of the spine bears the maker’s details, “MOLE.” The hatchet point blade is bright and clean with no rust and only minor speckles of tarnish and a couple of patches of minor pitting. The ricasso is marked with the “ISD” and Broad Arrow of the British Indian army stores depot. The obverse ricasso bears the date. 1916 below the letter “I” and a Broad Arrow.
The brass stirrup guard is in good condition. The blackened, ribbed iron grip is in good condition and the blade is firm in the hilt.
The matching brown leather scabbard with brass furniture is in good condition. There are a few minor scuffs and marks to the leather and some shallow dents to the brass throat and chape. The sabre sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a scarce Birmingham made, India pattern mountain artillery sabre dating to World War one.
