British made P1897 Infantry Officer’s Sword used by the Tanzanian Army.
This Infantry Officer’s sword was made in England by MFL.
The 823mm single edged blade is of dumbbell form with a short, wide single fuller on both sides and a flat spine tapering to a spear point. The blade is in near mint condition and crisply etched on both sides with foliate scrollwork surrounding the coat of arms of Tanzania above a beribboned palm and laurel wreath. The ricasso is etched with “England” and the phoenix and laurel wreath logo of MFL. The obverse ricasso bears the initials “J.W.T.Z.” The blade is firm in the hilt.
The steel bowl guard is of 1897 pattern and bears the Tanzanian coat of arms and pierced foliate design. The plating is in excellent condition. The crosshatched steel back strap has an oval pommel and rounded tang nut. The fish skin grip is in excellent condition as is the twisted wire binding.
