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

Bryce · 27th October 2025, 01:46 AM

G'day Guys,
This is a great thread. British sword design is something that I find very interesting. My collection although focused on the Napoleonic period, contains many examples that show sword manufacturers were thinking about how to make their blades better at specific purposes.

Peter, I have to disagree about the paisley influence on British sword hilt design. I think it is much more about the Honeysuckle flower, which first originated prior to the 1796 patterns. Below is a photo comparing an example of a honeysuckle themed hilt on an earlier sword and a 1796 pattern heavy cavalry officer undress sword.

Also Jim, the 1908 pattern cavalry sword is a superb thrusting weapon, but is basically just a spike, with almost zero cutting ability, even when sharpened.

Cheers,
Bryce

27th October 2025, 01:46 AM	#13
Bryce Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: North Queensland, Australia Posts: 197	G'day Guys, This is a great thread. British sword design is something that I find very interesting. My collection although focused on the Napoleonic period, contains many examples that show sword manufacturers were thinking about how to make their blades better at specific purposes. Peter, I have to disagree about the paisley influence on British sword hilt design. I think it is much more about the Honeysuckle flower, which first originated prior to the 1796 patterns. Below is a photo comparing an example of a honeysuckle themed hilt on an earlier sword and a 1796 pattern heavy cavalry officer undress sword. Also Jim, the 1908 pattern cavalry sword is a superb thrusting weapon, but is basically just a spike, with almost zero cutting ability, even when sharpened. Cheers, Bryce Attached Images