From:Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum
Name/TitleBritish Pattern Infantry Officer's Sword and Scabbard, New South Wales Military Forces
About this objectThe sword appears to be a Victorian-era British Pattern Infantry Officer's sword, in a levee style. The specific model is most likely a 1845 or 1822 pattern variation due to the style of the brass gothic hilt, with the cartouche badge of New South Wales, underneath a crown which stands for Queen Victoria.
The sword would most likely have been one taken on service during the Boer War. There are no visible marks that indicate the maker, but could be attributed to D. Jones & Co. of Sydney & proof star to forte.
It features a pierced "gothic" or "scroll" pattern half-basket hilt, which was typically made of gilded brass or plated steel. The grip is usually made of fish-skin (often from dogfish) and bound with twisted wire. The blade is typically straight and etched with various floral motifs, including the words NSW Military Forces and the monarch's crown.
This type of sword was the regulation pattern for infantry officers during the mid-to-late Victorian era and remained in use, with slight modifications, until the 1897 pattern was introduced. This type of sword was used by officers of the New South Wales military forces for ceremonies and official events.
The presence of the New South Wales cartouche beneath the Victorian crown provides direct evidence of the colony’s distinct military identity while simultaneously signalling loyalty to the British Crown. Swords of this type were not merely functional weapons but powerful symbols of authority, rank, and ceremonial tradition, used at parades, reviews, and official state occasions.
This example contributes valuable insight into the structure, appearance, and ceremonial practices of the New South Wales Military Forces. It enhances understanding of the colony’s defence history and offers a tangible link to the experiences of the officers who served during a formative period leading up to Australia’s Federation in 1901.
MakerUnknown
Maker RoleManufacturer
Date Madec. 1822-1897
PeriodMid-19th-century
Place MadeAustralia
Medium and MaterialsBrass
Fish Wire
Silver
Steel
Inscription and MarksNew South Wales Military Forces
MeasurementsLength 980mm
Subject and Association KeywordsNew South Wales Miltraty Forces
Subject and Association KeywordsBritish Pattern Infantry Swords
Subject and Association KeywordsAustralian colonial forces-pre Federation
Object TypeSwords
Object number2025.1004.1
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
