The cleaver of the English military drummers of the 1856/95 model

Общая длина без ножен: 460 мм.
Длина клинка: 330 мм.
Ширина клинка у пяты: 25 мм.
Длина ножен: 360 мм.

A very rare cleaver in good collector's condition. The blade is steel, straight, double-edged, 6-faceted in cross-section, without valleys, flat at the heel. The hilt is solid brass, consists of a handle and a curly crosspiece. The handle tapers in the center. The inscription "R.E. DEP. BN. 34" is printed on one side of the lower part of the handle. The pommel is made in the shape of a flattened ball. The crosspiece is short, three-lobed at the ends. At the crosshair is a rectangular block with a high–relief monogram "V.R." - VICTORIA REX (Queen Victoria, 1837-1901). Under the crosspiece is a triangular decorative shield. The scabbard is leather, with a brass device consisting of a mouth with a peg and a tip with a curly shoe.

The item is in good collector's condition. Minor surface corrosion marks on the blade, patina and dirt on the hilt. Scratches and scuffs on the scabbard. Scratches on the handle.

Unlike the musicians of the orchestra, the drummers and trumpeters were military personnel and could receive orders to join the battle with other soldiers. Their position on the front line made them very vulnerable, and their bravery on the battlefield became legendary. Since the middle of the 18th century, troops have been given weapons based on a scimitar-type model. It is difficult to restore the appearance of this weapon in detail, since only a few copies have been preserved. This uncertain situation continued until 1856, when a completely new 1856 model of the first version was approved for drummers and trumpeters. The shape of the Gothic cruciform hilt was influenced by the Victorian interest in the Middle Ages. Effectiveness in battle was forgotten, which is not surprising. It should be noted that although the cleaver was called the 1856 model, drummers have been using this weapon since the 1840s. Perhaps the official recognition of this fact forced the authorities to standardize weapons in 1856. Two types of cleaver are available for collectors — a version with a brass hilt for drummers and a version with an iron hilt for trumpeters and rifle regiments. Some rifle regiments have an image of a suspended horn instead of the royal monogram on the crosshair of the hilt. The last change was made in 1895, when the size of the cleaver was reduced and a smooth oval handle was introduced. These models are extremely rare, although the version with an iron handle is more difficult to find. Many copies on the hilt and the end side of the scabbard have the stamps of the regiments.