infantry sword

Sword; 1831 mameluke-hilted scimitar worn by Major General Sir Charles Elmhirst. Hilt: gilt brass mounts and quillons with crossed sword and baton surrounded by wreath of oak-leaves and acorns on the ecusson, centre of cruciform quillons and double languets. Ivory grips held by two floral-headed rivetys and pierced at recurved top by 8mm hole for sword knot cord. Sword knot with acorn. Blade: curved, rounded back edge, double edged for last 305mm. Scabbard: steel, wood-lined, two cruciform bands with loose rings. Elmhirst served with the Regiment in the Afghan & Crimean wars. the scimitar derives from thje Indian shamshir. The Duke of Wellington popularised them in the British Army and they were adopted officially in 1831. It remains the pattern for general officers today.