Sword belonging to Lieutenant (later Major) William Hodson, 1855 (c)

During the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859), Hodson raised a force of irregular cavalry known as 'Hodson's Horse'. He was also head of the intelligence department during the siege of Delhi. His spies informed him of events in the city and of the damage done by British guns. An expert swordsman who enjoyed personal combat, Hodson's chosen weapon was virtually a copy of the 1821 pattern other ranks' sword. He preferred the heavy guard and leather grip of this type to the ordinary officers' sword. Hodson died during the attack on the city of Lucknow, on 11 March 1858.