British pipeback parabolic blade saber c. 1801

[Richard G]

I hope to attach two pictures showing flank officers and their swords, which seem to be used as instruments of command.
I am not sure their 'fighting qualities' were rated at the time as highly as we would expect them to be.
We must also remember the huge numbers of self-funded militia at this time whom, judging from Jane Austen novels etc. did not, realistically, expect to be called on to fight.
Regards
Richard

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Richard G

I hope to attach two pictures showing flank officers and their swords, which seem to be used as instruments of command.
I am not sure their 'fighting qualities' were rated at the time as highly as we would expect them to be.
We must also remember the huge numbers of self-funded militia at this time whom, judging from Jane Austen novels etc. did not, realistically, expect to be called on to fight.
Regards
Richard

Great entry Richard! and indeed it is well known that officers used their swords clearly in directing forces and emphasizing commands. However though officers were not expected to be active participants in combat, the dynamics of interaction often left them no alternative but to engage defensively.
Many officers, driven by personal hubris and enthusiasm to motivate their forces were compelled to actively lead their troops.

Officers swords were often of course highly decorated, and regarded as less than combat worthy, but officers would often have secondary 'fighting' weapons which were used on campaign. These were often similar of course to other ranks weapons in general, despite obviously having more leeway in elements and features, such as the blades.

[M ELEY]

Speaking of parabolic blades! I'd forgotten this thread until recently...

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...to_threadtools

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

Speaking of parabolic blades! I'd forgotten this thread until recently...

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...to_threadtools

Wow! Excellent catch Cap'n!!! I forgot it completely but then, thats not unusual for me these days. Thank you so much!

[kronckew]

Just missed this one at an auction here in the UK a few minutes ago. Went for more than I was willing to pay. Ah, well...maybe next time. Thought it'd fit in here for the record. (I ignore the silly red tassle)

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by kronckew

Just missed this one at an auction here in the UK a few minutes ago. Went for more than I was willing to pay. Ah, well...maybe next time. Thought it'd fit in here for the record. (I ignore the silly red tassle)

Thanks Wayne for the share,
Thats the basic M1796 saber blade, but seems to be with an officers hilt.
These blades were always in tremendous demand, and even after replaced by the M1821/29 blades, were still in use in India and many other countries including North America.

In recent years it has been discovered that these sabers may have even been present in the 'Charge of the Light Brigade' in Oct. 1854.