Adopted by the British War Department in 1895, hence the pattern-year designation (aka P1896). It is only a slight variant from the 1822 Infantry Officer's Sword.

Overall length - out of scabbard - is about 40";

Hilt construction is nickel-plated sheet steel, half-basket style, with "fish-skin-wrapped" grip, seven turns of decorated brass wire wrapped around the "fish-skin"; the basket on this example bears the royal cypher of George V (GvR) whom reigned from 1910 to 1936 (therefore, manufacture date on this sword would be between 1910 and 1936). Pommel has a single ball finial (pommel-cap nut).

Straight, single-edged (stopped at ricasso), single-fullered blade (both sides) is ~33" in length, ~15/16" wide at ricasso. Etched into the blade is the royal cypher of George V (GvR).

Scabbard on this example is the service dress Sam Browne type, brown leather-wrapped wood, nickel-plated steel throat, leather drag. Full dress scabbards were constructed entirely of nickel-plated steel.

This particular example is marked: J.R. Gaunt & Son / Limited / Late / Edward Thurkle / London / & / Birmingham, England. There is also a 5-digit serial number on the back-edge, near the ricasso; perhaps this sword could be traced to the original possessing officer.