| Place | Oceania: Australia, South Australia |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/16629 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1860 |
| Conflict |
Australian Colonial Forces, 1854-1900 |
British Pattern 1853 Cavalry Troopers Sword and Scabbard : Trooper J Barker, Goolwa Cavalry
Description
British Pattern 1853 Cavalry Troopers sword and scabbard. It has a three bar steel hilt and the grips are compressed black checkered leather rivetted to the tang. A silver plate is attached to the right grip with 'This sword was carried by Trooper J Barker of the Goolwa Cavalry as advance guard of the Duke of Edinburg (sic) Light Dragoons 1867'. The curved blade has a single fuller to each side to within ten inches of the spear point. The ricasso has a makers trade mark in an oval on the right side and EX over an inspectors stamp on the left. The steel scabbard has two loose rings on bands at 2.5 and 12.5 inches from the throat.
History / Summary
The Goolwa Cavalry was a South Australian Colonial Cavalry unit that provided an escort to His Royal Highness Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit in 1867. The South Australian Regiment of Volunteer Cavalry was formed in 1865 and was organised into four troops, namely Goolwa (40) men, Midland and Strathalbyn (45) men, Roke (35) men and Adelaide (38) men. They were given the title 'Prince Alfred's Own Regiment of Volunteers'. The Duke at a review held at North Parklands on 6 November 1867 presented colours to the volunteers. By 1870 only the Adelaide troop consisting of 48 men remained and in 1881 the South Australian Defence Force was reorganised.