Cavalry Swords & Its Types & History

Around the world, the cavalry swords were  considered as the most popular military swords used in the major wars in the past and even in the world wars as well. The British cavalry swords were also being used in the famous battles like Waterloo and the charge of the Light Brigade. Many of these military swords also posted their presence at the Napoleonic period, Crimean, Boer and First World War as well.

Today, these British military swords including the cavalry swords, Infantry swords, are not used in wars any more as they have been replaced by the automatic weapons of the modern times. They now have become memories of the past glories and at present they are being used as presentation swords and ceremonial swords at some occasions like National Day, Republic Day, or in any military ceremonies. 

Today, I am going to list some of the famous Cavalry swords and the history behind them.

The 1908 Pattern Cavalry Trooper's Sword

Use of Presentation & Ceremonial Swords

A ceremonial sword is an object which is used for ceremonial purpose to show the power and authority. These are mainly used by defense organization in any country. 

Although these presentation swords are manufactured with the original material which is used in a combat sword but ceremonial swords are  not used in combat. There finishing and decoration  are typically designed to show the status and power of an organization.

These ceremonial swords are given as awards for sporting, social or commercial achievement.Let’s discuss about  some military ceremonial swords and other presentation swords:

Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Sword- This majestic sword is used by Field Marshals and Generals till date. In the commemoration of her majesty Elizabeth II diamond jubilee, the cross hilted mameluke sword which is first bought by this sword is first brought to England by Duke of Wellington. The cross piece of the sword is gold plated.

Evolution Two Handed Swords

Evolution of two handed swords started from the 15th century. Two Handed swords are also called Zweihander sword. The name of Two handed swords is because this sword is only used with two hands. Two handed sword is very large in size  as its length is about 6 feet and weight  varies from 2-3 kgs. Two handed sword is mainly used for swing purpose, it is not effecting for thrusting. The swing attack to Two handed sword can crush heavy body armor.

Two handed swords are having two edged blades and the blade is completely straight. The hilt of two handed sword is two handed cruciform.These swords are well known as war swords which are used to destroy the enemy even if he is wearing armor and having a shield.

Now, lets know about different types of Two Handed Swords:

Elven Battle Sword- This incredible sword is the best companion for any Elven warrior. High carbon steel is used which makes it unbeatable Two handed swords.

                                     

Great Ouse River Sword-  This sword is the incredible peace of art found near ouse river at Ely in Cambridgeshire, England and kept in the museum. It is a thrusting and just like the original sword and very much light in weight.

                                             

3 Famous Legendary British Military Swords

The British Military swords are the one which were extensively used by the British Army and now they are owned by other people to have them as decorative pieces of item be it in museums or in their homes. The few military swords which I will be talking here will include Cavalry swords, Infantry swords and Military kukris.

Cavalry Swords

The Cavalry swords,  also known as Sabre or saber saw its importance as military in the 19^th century, particularly in Napoleonic Wars to fight against enemies but later started diminishing as a weapon. Earlier the design of cavalry was heavy and tends to be longer than the regular ones. Many Cavalry officers used cavalry swords, but very few infantry officers used them as swords.

How to Tie Royal Navy Sword Knots

Not many of the people are aware of “sword knot” terminology as in what is its purpose and why we use it. The royal navy sword knots are a kind of ribbon or tassel (you can say) which is found at the side of the sword hilt (hilt is a handle of a sword which consists of a guard, grip and pommel). The sword knot is attached to either guard or pommel.     

British Household Cavalry Swords Revisited

The famous cavalry sword of 19^th century was the most popular sword which was used to defeat enemies but which later started diminishing. The design of the cavalry sword was divided into three parts that is: - Trooper’s pattern, household cavalry swords, and the officer’s pattern. These swords were made beautifully with antique engravings embedded on it.

Famous British Military Sword

British Military Infantry Swords

The Infantryman has been equipped with the British military sword since the time immemorial. Both the Greeks and Romans achieved great skills in the use of such weapons but Spaniards in the 17^th century first introduced the art of swordsmanship and the use of the point where previously there had been single or double edged weapons specially used for cutting purposes only.

In latter part of the 18^th century, nearly all officers including Scottish regiments carried the sword and it was the most standard sword for British Army.

In 1803, a general order dated 18^th March introduced a nearly new sword for Infantry Officers. It had a lion pommel and back-piece with knuckle-bow carried the royal cipher. The blade was curved and sometimes they were deeply curved and appeared as if it would be impossible to fight with them whereas others were slightly curved.

In 1822, all regiments of foot were given a new sword and in 1831 the blade was narrowed to 1 inch wide at the hilt. In 1834 field officers adopted brass scabbards for the sword. In 1846 the ramrod went back out and was replaced by the blade known as Wilkinson blade, which had a flat back and an even taper from the cutting edge.

The next military sword for Infantry officers came in 1892 and had sheet-steel guard patterned with scrolls and containing the royal cipher on the front.

Infantry Officer’s Sword 1822 Pattern: -