NAM.1963-08-171-9

Pattern 1822 Infantry Officer’s sword, 1850 (c). Part of a collection belonging to Maj Gen Donald McIntyre, VC, Indian Army. Possibly Maj Gen McIntyre’s service sword, possibly the sword he used when he won the Victoria Cross. The blade is pipe-backed and rusted, but still shows some of its original decoration and the name of the maker, Boreman, 432 Strand, London, who worked at this address from 1848. The edge has been sharpened along the blade’s length. The hilt has a gothic guard with the cypher of Queen Victoria and a folding inside edge. The leather liner and a worn sword knot are still present. McIntyre was commissioned in 1850 and joined the 66th Bengal Native Infantry (Goorkhas) (which matches the maker’s date and the sharpened blade). He won the VC in 1872 as a Major. He retired in 1880.

India, Lushai Expedition (1871-1872)