A Rare Royal Engineers Drivers Sword. 40 ½” overall, 35” blade is curved with broad fuller, makers ‘S&K’ mark British crown over ‘L’ & ‘8’, view inspection mark, the Liege Inspector’s mark plus the year 1850 & Frederick William IV of Prussia crest & sold out of service stamp. The knuckle bow guard with wooden grip covered in ridged leather. Iron back strap with ears & domed pommel. In its original heavy iron scabbard with ‘S&K’ mark on the drag.
Dated 1850.
Sword in good condition with very good blade, leather finger loop lacking, scabbard pitted.
It was made by Schnitzler & Kirschbaum for trial by a Prussian cavalry regiment, but they rejected it. The sword was later purchased in Liege by the British War Department. They were then issued to British Royal Engineer Drivers for use in the Crimea. There were not many engineer drivers and not many of these swords; this is a rare one of that number.