British military practice sword

Will M · 2nd August 2021, 03:41 PM

Jim I have not seen one like yours, with the wooden grip it could suggest use in India. I have P11 made in May of 1915 which is odd because the 1908p sword is not a duelling sword but basically a spear and gives the same reach as the 1868p lance. The blade on it is curved and fullered and flimsy.

Jim McDougall · 2nd August 2021, 09:36 PM

Hi Will,
Thanks very much! I had not been aware of these being made as with your example, and very good point that the wood grip may well indicate India provenance. There was of course an Indian M1908 with wood grips as you note.

It is indeed curious that these practice swords have a fencing type blade as it does not seem these were ever intended for any sort of sword to sword combat, and were simply a thrusting weapon.

As far as I have known the M1908 was indeed used in combat, mostly in Mesopotamia in WWI (as described in "Charge to Glory" James Lunt) where they were colloquially termed 'Allenby swords' (Gen. Allenby in command).
The American 'cousin' , the M1913 Patton sword with the same concept and overall gestalt was however never used in combat.

I really appreciate seeing your example, thank you again!

Jim

2nd August 2021, 03:41 PM	#1
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 394	Jim I have not seen one like yours, with the wooden grip it could suggest use in India. I have P11 made in May of 1915 which is odd because the 1908p sword is not a duelling sword but basically a spear and gives the same reach as the 1868p lance. The blade on it is curved and fullered and flimsy. Attached Images

2nd August 2021, 09:36 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	Hi Will, Thanks very much! I had not been aware of these being made as with your example, and very good point that the wood grip may well indicate India provenance. There was of course an Indian M1908 with wood grips as you note. It is indeed curious that these practice swords have a fencing type blade as it does not seem these were ever intended for any sort of sword to sword combat, and were simply a thrusting weapon. As far as I have known the M1908 was indeed used in combat, mostly in Mesopotamia in WWI (as described in "Charge to Glory" James Lunt) where they were colloquially termed 'Allenby swords' (Gen. Allenby in command). The American 'cousin' , the M1913 Patton sword with the same concept and overall gestalt was however never used in combat. I really appreciate seeing your example, thank you again! Jim