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: -