Thread: 1885 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Sabre

Hi All

Actually, Mark is the expert here so I'll address this directly to you if you don't mind.

I have what I believe to be an 1885 pattern Heavy Cavalry Sabre made by Mole. What I would like to find out is a bit of it's history based on the markings and see if my own investigations are correct.

First issued 11/86, then '90 and finally '92

The 11/86 issue I believe was to the 7th Dragoons, based on marking on the inside of the guard 7.1886 ( crossed out)
The second issue I believe was to the 11th Hussars based on the markings 11 H
The final issue was to the Yeomanry Cavalry based on the markings on the ricasso of Y.C, but also D.L. Not sure what D.L is, perhaps Duke of Lancasters own Yeomanry?

Any details on this would be greatly appreciated. I paid £90 for it. I'm hoping this was a bargain.

Thanks

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Hi Gavin
I can not see any image of the inside of the hilt. It would be less usual to mark it there than on the outside.
It is a cavalry trooper's sword, not a heavy cavalry trooper's sword / sabre.
The markings indicate it was an 1885 pattern redesignated as an 1890 pattern (the marking '90), so it is an 1885P blade originally made in November 1886 (the diagonal line cancelling this out) and reissued I think (the area is rubbed / feint) sometime in 1892 for Yeomany cavalry use. The DL I suspect is a maker's mark but whose, I do not know; I am pretty sure it is not regimental marking.

Regards
Mark

Hi Mark

Many Thanks for your time again

With regards the makers mark, the hilt carries the stamp MOLE, would they have used blades by other makers?

There are some additional markings ( numbers) on the inside of the hilt, but these are very faint, but I suspect may have been the regimental markings? numbers like 220 or 239, can't be exact though.

What would you estimate the value of the sword to be?

Cheers

Mole would have made the whole sword but if a blade was rehilted, then that could have been done by someone else of course.
I think the value is what you paid for it.
Regards
Mark

oh well, so long as I haven't paid too much. I love it and don't intend to sell anyway, i like having a bit of history in the house.

All the best