EL6480 - An unusual officer's sword by Rodda of Calcutta. This sword is rather odd, because it completely conforms to the 1892 infantry officer's pattern, having the smooth pre-1895 back piece. Yet it is marked to both the guard and blade with ERI, for Edward VII's Emperor of India cypher. Therefore the sword must date to 1901-1910, yet is otherwise of 1892 pattern. Normally brass 'gothic-hilted' swords of this period are for officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps, but there are no RAMC markings on the blade, and as mentioned the back piece is of the pre-1895 type. Therefore I don't know for certain who this sword was made for, but given that the maker/retailer is Rodda of Calcutta, it's possible that it was for an Indian officer, as they did retain earlier patterns into Edward VII's reign. The sword is in very good condition, largely thanks to a liberal covering of varnish! You can still see the yellowish colour of this varnish in the photos, which can be removed in the future. The blade has been therefore well protected and the etching is in very good crisp condition. The sword is in good condition overall, the only flaw worth mentioning being the loss of some of the grip wire.
