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Originally Posted by David R
"Toledo" was a style of blade offered by Wilkinson in their catalogue.
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David thank you for that note! I had not thought of the fact that Wilkinson did offer 'styles' with brand type names, and that 'Toledo' would be one of such offerings. The idea of a fabrica en Toledo blade on an unusual pattern British officers sword was an intriguing red herring though
As Fernando has noted, we don't often have swords of 20th century in the discussions, but it is always fascinating to see the traditions, lore and styles carried forth in these weapons.
Interesting note Will, as well on these type hilts on these swords used in India, and indeed an unusual pattern.
While these swords were 'modern' by the numbers of swords of much older times most often discussed, it is notable that they were used in combat situations, in this case regarding the British examples.
The British did carry the M1908 troopers and M1912 officers swords in WWI, and I recall reading in James Lunt's "Charge to Glory" book about the British commanding officer on campaign in Palestinian areas, named Allenby. I think the quote was something like ' you may go without your breeches, but you damn well will not go without your sword!!!. to the troops.
If I recall these were entirely covered in leather, over the full bowl of the hilt, to prevent telltale glint as well as protect from heat.
As I have told here before, the British Brigadier, Gen. Francis Ingall, that I once talked with after he wrote his memoirs, "Last of the Bengal Lancers", showed me the M1912 officers sword (which was of standard form) that he carried in the mounted charge on the Khyber plains in 1931. This was among the number of 'last' mounted cavalry charges of the 20th century, I believe the last was in WWII in a location near Burma (I think the name was Toungoo) in about 1942.