British Infantry Officers Battle Swords in the 19th C...and up to 1914

[Hotspur]

I have just one HC officers sword from 1869. My own thoughts on why a half basket would be access. A half basket goes back earlier, just like half heart counterguards.

The evolution of the swords are covered by lettered authors, such as Dellar. On Facebook, Steve Goodyear has done a lot of the variety of evolution.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402...0008637461346/

Another reason for a half basket is wear

Cheers
GC

[Peter Hudson]

Originally Posted by Hotspur

I have just one HC officers sword from 1869. My own thoughts on why a half basket would be access. A half basket goes back earlier, just like half heart counterguards.

The evolution of the swords are covered by lettered authors, such as Dellar. On Facebook, Steve Goodyear has done a lot of the variety of evolution.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402...0008637461346/

Another reason for a half basket is wear

Cheers
GC

HELLO Hotspur and thank you for the details ...I see your last illustration is the Reeves Hilt with the Tang the same width as the blade at the Forte. This ensured a full and heavy strike and a great block and must have been formidable as a Heavy Cavalry weapon. Thanks also for the other illustrations including the 5 ball guard. Certainly in terms of design in the 19th Century we see the famous 3 bar hilt...some call it a 2 Bar and in particular The Royal Artillery Officers Sword stuck to that format as up until today its the same. I have both the Heavy Cav and Light Cav version.
The full length blade on the Heavy Cavalry Sword would have suited most establishments with its slightly curved wide blade and spear point with raised central format and sharpened on both sides of the spear point back to about 12 inches ...and with the cutting edge fully sharp as far back as the hilt. This meant it was a great cutter and had an effective quite rigid spear point for giving point thus good in the melee...and you will note how this arguement caused a massive debate later...Regards Peter Hudson.