*British, 1856 Pattern Infantry Pioneer Sword and Scabbard, Made by Robert Mole of Birmingham*
Marked on ricasso: War Arrow over WD, Crown over 16
Marked on obverse: (very faint) ..ole – MOLE
Marked on spine: R
Marked on grip: Double war arrow
Marked on pommel: 22d over 57 over II
Marked on scabbard throat: Pi (or Ri), 00, war arrow, CH
Marked on chape: 00, war arrow, CH
A British 1856 pattern Infantry Pioneer Sword, with a saw-back steel 56cm blade with ricasso marked Broad Arrow over WD, Crowned 16, obverse faintly marked ..ole which is likely the remnants of maker mark for MOLE, spine marked R, and R was one of the inspection marks of Robert Mole of Birmingham. It has the correct heavy ribbed brass handle with full knuckle bow, slotted for lanyard, stirrup hilt, with regimental markings 22D over 57 over II. The side of the pommel has a double WD arrow. The sidearm is complete with original leather scabbard with brass mounts, stamped CH, Broad Arrow 00.
The British Army’s only saw-back sword, the Pattern 1856 Infantry Pioneer’s Sword, was a versatile tool designed for pioneers—early combat engineers—within infantry battalions. Each battalion had a squad of ten pioneers, led by a corporal or sergeant, responsible for clearing paths ahead of the main army and managing heavy construction tasks. The saw-back sword, with its sturdy, 22-inch blade, served not only as a weapon but as a practical tool, replacing the need for axes and handsaws. Its short, heavy blade could function as both a saw and machete, making it especially useful for cutting through brush or clearing bivouac areas. The sword featured a brass hilt with a stirrup guard and a 14-inch saw-back section, housed in a black leather scabbard with brass fittings. It saw service in major conflicts across the British Empire until 1903, including the Indian Mutiny, the Zulu War, and both Boer Wars, and was later adopted as a substitute cutlass for the Royal Navy at the turn of the century.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition with knocks and dings commensurate with age and service. Scabbard fits securely, the stitching is all intact but there is a small tear above the chape. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMBEOXCEO_2389185518
