British Pattern 1856 Drummer’s Sword
One piece gothic style cast iron hilt with central ‘VR’ cipher stamped with 1. 1889 V.3L.F.C.2 on one edge of the grip and ‘cancelled out of service’ mark on the other. Steel double edged spear pointed blade marked on one shoulder with FP.CLE and partial crown over B/21 on the other in its brass mounted black leather scabbard, locket also marked V.3l.F.C.2 with a leaf design on the frog stud. Overall length 62.4 cm, blade 48.5 cm.
The steel hilt indicates that it was for a Rifle unit, and in this case it was used by volunteer rifles.