1885 / 1890 P British Cavalry Trooper's Sword, Browned, Sold

In good to very good condition, an 1885/1890P British cavalry trooper's sword marked for the yeomanry cavalry, browned for Boer War service.

Most British yeomanry cavalry regiments sent men and horses for the war effort in South Africa so, in the absence of any further provenance, it is not possible to say if any yeomanry cavalry marked sword actually saw service in the Boer War. But this is such a sword with provenance; the scabbard and hilt were "browned", chemically treated to turn the steel a matt brown. Such browned swords were important to help prevent them from reflecting sunlight and attracting before time the attention of deadly Boer marksmen. This sword has more than just patina, it has been chemically browned for active service in the Boer War.

The 34 1/4 inch blade is in good condition, even very good condition except for some tarnishing one side (can be cleaned off of course). The blade has been period sharpened and has a small number of tiny nicks to the forward cutting section. Blade firm in the hilt. The hilt overall very good, the grips also very good. The sword sheathes and draws pretty well into the browned steel scabbard but both throat retaining screws are gone so the scabbard does not hold onto the blade as it once did. The scabbard has some age / small rust holes / period damage, but is overall sound and perfectly balances with the sword. Many acceptance, etc. stamps testifying to an active and long service life. An excellent example. Further / full sized pictures available upon request. Our item reference number D85 (766)