EL6693 - An interesting Late-Victorian British Indian Army Rifles officer's sword, by Mole of Birmingham. A good quality sword, but in rather worn condition and in need of some restoration. The blade is clearly Mole's top quality work, with fine etching, firm in the hilt, but with areas of rust damage. The hilt, has a somewhat unusual shape, particularly in the cone-like shape of the pommel, and it has pitting overall and dark patina. The grip has lost some shagreen and wire, but is solid. The scabbard is very clearly of Indian type and I would say Indian manufacture. The leather is probably donkey and quite thin, like many Indian sword scabbards. It has the riser ring, to sit in a belt frog, and the iron mounts to top and bottom (locket and chape) look like Indian manufacture. So this is an interesting sword, and with 1892 pattern blade (a robust example) and pre-1895 backpiece, should date to circa 1892-1895.
