British Mark I 1856 Pattern Drummer’s Sword, East Kent Regiment

Straight unfullered double-edged spear-pointed blade with diamond cross-section, brass hilt with central VR cypher of Queen Victoria, triangular langets and trefoil finials. Longitudinally ribbed brass grip, flared pommel with tang button. Black leather scabbard with brass fittings at throat and chape, the throat piece with teardrop-shaped frog stud.

The brass grip is stamped on one of the narrow, smooth sides with ‘E.K.’, indicating that this sword was issued to the East Kent Regiment. The throat piece of the scabbard is stamped on the rear face next to the staple with ‘RENOVATED POTTER ALDERSHOT’.

These short swords were issued to drummers of infantry regiments. While the pattern was ordered to be adopted in 1856, there is evidence that similar-looking swords were being carried by musicians in some units as early as 1843, and some units did not actually adopt the new pattern until years after its introduction. Wholly ornamental, an identical version with a cast iron hilt was issued for buglers.

Henry Potter & Co is a musical instrument maker founded in 1810 by Samuel Potter, a Drum Major of the Coldstream Guards, supplying musical instruments such as drums, fifes and bugles to the military. Initially based in London, William’s son George created a branch at Aldershot, which was the site of the Army's first permanent training camp established in 1853. Over time Aldershot grew into a major military town and garrison seen to this day as the home of the British Army, providing continuing business for the highly specialized craftsmen at Potter & Co. It is interesting to see that they did renovation work on bandsmen’s swords – while not swordsmiths they would most likely have had all the skills needed to repair or spruce up brass and leather parts, and regiments would have been used to doing business with them. The company is still in operation at Aldershot to this day.

The blade has some spots of light patination and some old polishing marks. The brass hilt & grip and the brass fittings of the scabbard have an even patina, with a brighter area on the scabbard throat piece where it is covered by the langet when the sword is sheathed. The leather of the scabbard remains flexible – take care to support it when withdrawing the blade. Some surface-level flaking and cracking to the leather. All its stitching is intact.