Sword issued to the Queensland Mounted Infantry, 1891

Made by Wilkinson on a commercial contract for the Queensland Government in 1891.

Following Queensland's formation as a colony (1859), its government established several volunteer mounted units that eventually became the Queensland Mounted Infantry. This blade, similar to a Pattern 1889, was used by that regiment when it deployed to South Africa (1899-1902). Experienced horsemen, and used to an outdoor life, the Queenslanders were able to meet the Boer Commandos on equal terms.