The blade is most likely a German import, which is not uncommon.
Sidearms with the form of a neoclassical ‘gladius’ appear to have originated with Napoleon’s love for all things Roman, and the French 1771 ‘Eagle Head’ Artillery sword. A series of very similar-looking short swords were subsequently designed, including the French 1816 & 1831 Artillery, the US Model 1832 Foot Artillery, the Swiss 1842 Pioneer’s, the Russian 1848 Pioneer’s and the British 1855 Land Transport. They were not particularly useful for combat (the gladius had become obsolete for good reasons) so remained either ceremonial items or in the role of a machete for various field tasks such as clearing brush.
The Land Transport Corps was formed in great haste in 1855, in the midst of the Crimean War: the British Army’s disorganized transport had resulted in disastrous supply breakdowns during the harsh winter of 1854, and a rapid response was required. Officers of the new unit carried the 1822 Light Cavalry sword while other ranks were armed with the 1855: a near replica of the French 1831 Artillery sidearm, making this the only British sword to follow the Continental gladius trend.
To be honest the sword is not in the best condition, and the blade has been sharpened, and cut. Still a very nice and scarce item, considering the Land Transport Corps only had about 8000 men.
The blade is most likely a German import, which is not uncommon.
Sidearms with the form of a neoclassical ‘gladius’ appear to have originated with Napoleon’s love for all things Roman, and the French 1771 ‘Eagle Head’ Artillery sword. A series of very similar-looking short swords were subsequently designed, including the French 1816 & 1831 Artillery, the US Model 1832 Foot Artillery, the Swiss 1842 Pioneer’s, the Russian 1848 Pioneer’s and the British 1855 Land Transport. They were not particularly useful for combat (the gladius had become obsolete for good reasons) so remained either ceremonial items or in the role of a machete for various field tasks such as clearing brush.
The Land Transport Corps was formed in great haste in 1855, in the midst of the Crimean War: the British Army’s disorganized transport had resulted in disastrous supply breakdowns during the harsh winter of 1854, and a rapid response was required. Officers of the new unit carried the 1822 Light Cavalry sword while other ranks were armed with the 1855: a near replica of the French 1831 Artillery sidearm, making this the only British sword to follow the Continental gladius trend.
To be honest the sword is not in the best condition, and the blade has been sharpened, and cut. Still a very nice and scarce item, considering the Land Transport Corps only had about 8000 men.
