| Accession Number | REL/19637 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | 1887 |
| Conflict |
South Africa, 1899-1902 (Boer War) |
British Pattern 1885 Cavalry Troopers Sword and Scabbard : Trooper W Watts, New South Wales Lancers
Description
Pattern 1885 Cavalry Troopers Sword. The guard is sheet steel with a part rolled edge and a pierced Maltese Cross design stamped NSWC 198. The checkered black leather two piece grip is attached to the tang with five rivets and the back strap has the double arrow sale mark. The slightly curved blade has a single fuller to each side that ends 8.25 inches from the double edged point. The ricasso is stamped arrow over WD on the right and /87 on the left. The polished sheet steel scabbard has two strap rings on opposite sides near the throat which is stamped NSWC 125 and has the double arrow sale mark. The back edge and throat are also stamped /86.
History / Summary
This sword was owned by the late Trooper William Watts, New South Wales Lancers. Trooper Watts was a member of the NSW Lancers that travelled to the United Kingdom in 1898 and took part in the Aldershot tattoo. He apparently won the sword tent pegging event. On his return to Australia the unit was diverted to South Africa and he saw service during the Boer War.