EL6114 - A rare City of London Yeomanry sword, from around 1900, as used in the Second Anglo-Boer War.
These swords are quite rare and are a fascinating example of sword design, being inspired by the 1895 pattern infantry officer's sword, with dumb bell thrusting blade, but scaled up for cavalry use with a wider 34 inch blade. Only the City of London Yeomanry (who fought partially as cavalry and partially as mounted infantry) used these swords and they were carried in the Boer War.
This example is all solid, but missing its scabbard. The grip is of ebony and the steel parts of the hilt have been painted in period with a thick sort of black paint, of a similar sort as found on some naval cutlasses. Where this paint has been chipped off, it is evident that the steel is in good smooth condition underneath, having been protected by the paint. Unfortunately the blade is not in such good condition, having been exposed to damp air, and has light 'salt and pepper' pitting overall. The Hamburger, Rogers & Co etching is fuzzy, but still visible. This sword could probably be cleaned up considerably, or left as is, but everything is solid on it and it is a rare sword that feels good in the hand.
