RARE AUSTRALIAN ISSUED PATTERN 11 MK1 PRACTICE OR GYMNASIA SWORD
Issued under LC 16168, 1st Sept 1912. The steel bowl guard and aluminium grip is similar to the Pattern 1908 Cavalry Troopers or Lighthorse sword. The blade is lightened and similar in shape to the Pattern 1908 sword but with a swelled blunted tip for safety. Maker stamped to Wilkinson Feb 1916. Ricasso stamped "P11" & with Enfield proof stamps. The Bowl Guard is stamped with the Australian Defence Department Acceptance stamp of a "Broad Arrow" within a "D". The guard has minor dents and retains some of its original brown paint finish.
This is a rarely seen sword and was obviously designed as a training aid for the issue of the famous Pattern 08 Cavalry sword that was introduced to all Light Horse units at the end of WW1.