Many thanks for your input Jim, the current re-search all came about from the previous discussion about Khuda/Khunda.
Tulwar seemed to be the main type of sword in that period in Nepal, and with the higher ranked Rajput Nepali there was the occasional Shamshir, obviously other types were in use as well.
The problem the Dragoons seemd to have was the Goorkhas ability with the shield to deflect their swords, and the Gurkhas then closing the gap and either cutting them or stabbing them. The Dragoons quickly retreated, expecting support by the Sepoys of the 1/6th, they saw what was happening and ran as well, there ended up being 151 casualties, of which twelve died of their wounds or were killed outright.
That is very interesting what you say about the hilts, and it wouldn't surprise me if an eccentric BO did just that!
I must now go and find some 1796 heavy cavalry swords to see how they perform, I am hoping a local collector I know has a couple.
Thanks for all you help, cheers Simon
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