THE WATNALL SWORD

 A Universal Pattern 1853 Cavalry sword. Marked to the hand guard, S.N.  B 5. - South Notts, B troop, weapon rack number five. The P-1853 sword designed to end the practice of having a light, and heavy pattern of sword for Cavalry / Dragoons into an one easier to issue general purpose sword for all mounted fighting troops. 


Yeomanry units such as  the S.N.Y.C. in the second half of the 19th century were equipped by the Ordnance rather than at the expense of their local commanders as they had in the past. Of less priority to the Ordnance than regular units, it is likely that the P-1853 was the sword on issue to the S.N.Y.C. throughout the later part of the 19th century rather than issuing sub-variants such as the P-1864 Cavalry sword.  It is likely the S.N.Y.C. was equipped with the P-1853 until it was re-equipped with the P-1885 Cavalry sword for use in the Boer-War. 

Throughout the second half of the 19th century, the strength of Watnall "B" Troop, along with the other Troops was on average around 70 men including Officers, N.C.O.'s, and troopers. Given the average survival rate of military swords, and perhaps more importantly, the condition that the P-1853 sword is usually found in, with no markings still visible, it is very likely  this sword is the only existing example that can be directly  attributed to the Watnall Troop. 

In line with the common practice for giving prizes to Yeomanry Troops for "Best turned out Trooper", or "Smartest man" for example on parade days, in 1881, the then Captain Rolleston of Watnall Hall presented a cased barometer to Sergeant James Clark of Watnall Troop. the prize given for "Best Swordsmanship". Was Sergeant Clark using this sword, sword number five that day ? -- possibly. 






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