Pattern 1868 Cavalry Lance

Go Back to Cavalry Lance

Go Back To Weapons Home

	Weapon: Pattern 1868 Cavalry Lance Type: Cavalry Lance Country of Origin: United Kingdom Year Adopted: 1868 Caliber: Action: Thrusting Overall Length (mm): 1650.0 Weight (kg): 1.00 Effective Range (m): 0

The British Pattern 1868 Cavalry Lance was introduced as part of the British Army's effort to modernize its cavalry equipment in the late 19th century. Designed as a lightweight yet durable weapon, the lance featured a hollow steel shaft measuring approximately nine feet in length, capped with a leaf-shaped steel spearhead. Its construction balanced durability with maneuverability, ensuring it was both strong enough for combat and light enough to be wielded effectively by mounted troops. A leather loop, or "grip," was affixed to the shaft to provide better control for the rider during fast-paced engagements.

Production of the Pattern 1868 Cavalry Lance was relatively modest, as it was primarily issued to specialized units within the British Army and the forces of the British Empire. The lance was manufactured in British armories and occasionally by contractors in India for colonial forces. Although exact production figures are not well-documented, it was produced in the tens of thousands, sufficient to equip the lance-wielding regiments of the era. The lance saw limited use in active combat but remained an important symbol of cavalry tradition, particularly during ceremonial parades and reviews.

The notoriety of the Pattern 1868 Cavalry Lance lies more in its role as a symbol of the declining era of mounted warfare than in its practical battlefield success. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advancements in firearms and artillery rendered traditional cavalry charges increasingly obsolete. However, the lance maintained its place in military pageantry and tradition, exemplifying the romanticized image of the cavalryman. It remains a notable artifact of military history, reflecting the transitional period between traditional and modern warfare.