*British, WW1, 1912 Pattern Cavalry Officer’s Sword, Retailed by Maxwell, 8 Dover Street London, Plain Bowl Guard, Etched Blade, "Made in England"*
A fine example of a WW1 British 1912 Pattern cavalry officer’s sword, retailed by Maxwell & Co., 8 Dover Street, London. Introduced in 1912, this pattern was the last service sword officially adopted for British cavalry officers and remained in use through both World Wars and into the mid-20th century.
This example features a plain, solid steel bowl guard, a known private-purchase variant often chosen by officers for simplicity and reduced decoration. The hilt is fitted with a sharkskin (ray skin) grip, now showing wear and losses, with all original twisted wire binding now absent. The pommel displays age-related oxidation and minor distortion.
The blade measures approximately 86 cm in length, 2.5 cm wide at the forte, with a robust 0.8 cm spine thickness and a long 65.5 cm fuller. It is designed primarily for thrusting — a hallmark of the 1912 pattern — and features foliate scrollwork and royal cypher motifs in etched panels, though these are now partially obscured by patina and surface pitting. The spine is stamped "MADE IN ENGLAND", indicating production for export or post-1891 compliance. The ricasso bears remnants of the inscription "MAXWELL, 8 DOVER ST, LONDON", confirming its retail provenance. A traditional proof disc with star motif is also present.
Historical background: Maxwell & Co., 8 Dover Street, London, were renowned military tailors and sword retailers active from the late 19th into the early 20th century. They supplied high-quality swords, uniforms, and accoutrements to British Army and Royal Navy officers. The 1912 pattern represented the culmination of British cavalry sword design, emphasizing the thrust over the cut and often privately customized by officers.
*Condition*
The blade shows heavy surface pitting and staining, with etching partially visible but worn. The sharkskin grip covering is worn with areas of loss, and the wire binding is missing. The guard and pommel exhibit oxidation, plating loss, and minor distortion. No scabbard is included. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQIC_2651130525
