British military practice sword

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, 09:36 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,382	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