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[Richard]

Of course Norman, here you go:

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi Richard,
A right handsome trio, can you post photographs of the complete blades?
My Regards,
Norman.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Richard

Of course Norman, here you go:

Fantastic

The condition of these swords is superb; looks like they didn't even spent their nuptial night

Fernando

[Richard]

Well their main purpose was to impress ladies at parties! So you want to see a battered one then? How about this, no blue & gilt left at all, in fact service sharpening has removed all decoration along cutting edge ; hilt and scabbard very battered

But ..... on the other hand, its was the sword of Lt James Chatterton of the 12th Light Dragoons, carried at Salamanca, Vittoria, Nive, Nivelle, Quatre Bras and ................WATERLOO!

Richard

Originally Posted by fernando

Fantastic

The condition of these swords is superb; looks like they didn't even spent their nuptial night

Fernando

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Richard

Well their main purpose was to impress ladies at parties! So you want to see a battered one then? How about this, no blue & gilt left at all, in fact service sharpening has removed all decoration along cutting edge ; hilt and scabbard very battered

But ..... on the other hand, its was the sword of Lt James Chatterton of the 12th Light Dragoons, carried at Salamanca, Vittoria, Nive, Nivelle, Quatre Bras and ................WATERLOO!

Richard

Now that's talking!
The question is: which one has more charm? The birdcall couple or Chatterton's warrior?
Don't pay attention Richard ... just kidding .
But anyway, the weigth of history, weighs heavier.
Fernando

[Norman McCormick]

Originally Posted by fernando

Now that's talking!
The question is: which one has more charm? The birdcall couple or Chatterton's warrior?
Don't pay attention Richard ... just kidding .
But anyway, the weigth of history, weighs heavier.
Fernando

Without doubt a very handsome trio of dandies but my vote has to go to the warrior.

Richard,
Many thanks for the photographs, a very interesting group.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Richard,
Would I be correct in assuming that the 'comma' ears were design elements to officers weapons and had no practical purpose? Was this element ever seen in troopers swords? I have an 1821 L.C. Troopers Sabre marked to Osborn independently on the scabbard, blade and hilt but it has what I would call 'normal' ears and I just wondered if there was a variant of the 1796 L.C. or 1821 L.C. Troopers issue with this 'comma' feature?
My Regards,
Norman.

[Richard]

Hi Norman

"Comma" shaped backpice ears, as far as I am aware, are found only on officer's P1796 swords (later patterns of officer's swords dispensed with ears altogether). Trooper's swords, either 1796 or 1821 patterns as yours, have the plain half round ears. However, all backpiece ears, whether half round, comma or any other shape did have a practical purpose, that being to firmly anchor the grip and backpiece in palce by rivetting to the blade tang thus providing more stability for the hilt components as a whole.

Richard

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi Richard,
Would I be correct in assuming that the 'comma' ears were design elements to officers weapons and had no practical purpose? Was this element ever seen in troopers swords? I have an 1821 L.C. Troopers Sabre marked to Osborn independently on the scabbard, blade and hilt but it has what I would call 'normal' ears and I just wondered if there was a variant of the 1796 L.C. or 1821 L.C. Troopers issue with this 'comma' feature?
My Regards,
Norman.