RARE PRE WW1 BRITISH ARMY/NAVY VICTORIAN ERA 1870 PATTERN SWORD & SCABBARD

Queen Victoria era 1870 pattern British Army or Navy Lead Cutter sword & scabbard.

The sword features a one piece black enamelled steel bowl/guard, which has been attached, by means of a large threaded bolt to the one piece, cast blackened ribbed steel grip. 81cm long, thick nickel blade, shows light use and two very small nicks to the blade edge, which is still displaying its factory sharpened edge. Blade tip shows the safety rounded shape. Full length black leather scabbard in great condition, with the majority of the stitching present, with brass frog stud and chape, showing some dents and scratches. Blade fits into the scabbard without issues.

These lead cutting swords are scarce, used predominantly as a form of strengthening the wrist for cavalry soldiers or naval fighting practice, by means of chopping up lumps of lead in the gymnasium or field. As a result of this type of practice, many of the blades were damaged and by the late 19th century they simply fell out of fashion and use, thus being discarded. This example is the best condition and preserved lead cutter I've seen. Overall length: 97 cm.