Pattern 1853 Indian Army Cavalry Trooper's sword

Blade inscribed with maker's name, Rodwell and Company.

On the introduction of the Universal Pattern 1853 sword for cavalry privates in the British Army, a marginally smaller sword specifically for use by the more slightly built sowars of the Indian cavalry regiments was produced. In addition to the variation in size, the two swords also had different scabbards, that for the India Pattern being equipped with a frog and hook and made of leather rather than metal.

As most Indian troopers preferred the slashing blades of the Pattern 1796 Cavalry type, which they were still allowed to carry at this date, it is unclear how many of these 1853 pattern swords were ever issued in India. However, they were still being issued to Indian State Forces after 1900.