Indian Army Cavalry Officer's sword, Pattern 1856, Brigadier-General John Jacob, 1858 (c)

Sword manufactured by Mole, Birmingham. Curved, flat blade, stamped with maker's name; three-quarter basket guard and black leather covered grip.

A legendary figure in India, and regarded by General Sir Charles Napier as one of the best officers he had ever met, Jacob (1812-1947) raised the famous second Silladar Regiment of Scinde Horse. He later raised two regiments of infantry - 'Jacob's Rifles' - armed with a pattern of rifle he had developed himself. Jacob saw service in the Sind campaign (1843), the Persian War (1856-1857) but died of natural causes during the Indian Mutiny in 1858.