Antique & Militaria

British, WW1 Era, 1868 Pattern Army Cavalry Lance & Pendant.

The British army used the lance on horseback from 1816 spurred on by the devastating effect that the Polish lancers of Soult’s army had on the British infantry at the battle of Albuera in 1811. This is a British WW1 era British Army Lance with a bamboo shaft and steel shoe. The lance head is 4 sided in shape measuring 9 inches long changing to a round section where it joins the shaft. The lance is 98 inches long and the other end of the shaft is attached to the steel stirrup shoe which is stamped under a line with the number 137. The lance is stamped BODRAI on the side and is fitted with a red and white pennon, just below the spearhead. The use of these pennons was originally intended to disconcert the horses of opposing cavalry in close combat, but they eventually became a decorative parade item, normally removed or wrapped in a canvas cover on active service. The lance is in good condition and delivery is to the U.K. Mainland by arrangement and at cost. Sn 23174:41