EL7149 - A scarce 1864 pattern cavalry sword and scabbard. Featuring the full length 35.5 inch blade, the inside of the guard features the numerals 1882, which if a date presumably either shows the manufacture date, or perhaps a modification date. This is definitely not an 1882 interim/experimental pattern though, due to the size of the blade and form of the hilt. The regulation 1864 pattern guard, with Austrian style double sword knot slots. The leather grips have been customised with larger checkering, which is something we occasionally also see done to 1853 and 1885/90 patterns, to reduce the chance of the grip turning in the hand during a cut. The scabbard has had the original bands and rings removed in period, and then later a couple of small loops/rings added. Overall the sword is in average condition - it has light pitting, but is cleaned bright, and it is mechanically all solid and sound, and seems to have been service sharpened. I think I can just about see the remains of the MOLE maker's mark. A really quite rare sword.
