British M1803 Flank Officer's Sword with Modification?

drac2k · 11th December 2021, 08:09 PM

Pictured is the classic M1803 Flank Officer's Sword, however, its blade is only 26" long from the tip to the top of the guard and 27.25" long along the spine; the problem is that the blade should measure 32 & 3/16" long.The 1796 British Regulations stated that the sword had to be at least 30" long and no less than 1" wide. The M1803 is a magnificent sword with a blade and tip made for slashing, so at first, I thought that maybe the tip had been broken and it had been armory repurposed for some auxiliary native troops, however after scouring the internet, I found 3 examples that had been shortened, professionally as mine was after the fuller. I then read accounts of actions where the sword was excellent for slashing, but it was lacking in the thrusting department. I further read that in1822 the M1803 was replaced with a straighter sword that was better for thrusting and in line with British Sword Training. Another source stated that this sword was adopted by the Royal Marines and some Royal Navy Officers and as such, I can see the effectiveness of a shorter sword repointed for thrusting.
So, after my convoluted rambling, does anyone know whether these swords were officially shortened, en masse by the British Army, used by the Royal Marines, or if I just have a repointed sword with a broken tip?

11th December 2021, 08:09 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,231	British M1803 Flank Officer's Sword with Modification? Pictured is the classic M1803 Flank Officer's Sword, however, its blade is only 26" long from the tip to the top of the guard and 27.25" long along the spine; the problem is that the blade should measure 32 & 3/16" long.The 1796 British Regulations stated that the sword had to be at least 30" long and no less than 1" wide. The M1803 is a magnificent sword with a blade and tip made for slashing, so at first, I thought that maybe the tip had been broken and it had been armory repurposed for some auxiliary native troops, however after scouring the internet, I found 3 examples that had been shortened, professionally as mine was after the fuller. I then read accounts of actions where the sword was excellent for slashing, but it was lacking in the thrusting department. I further read that in1822 the M1803 was replaced with a straighter sword that was better for thrusting and in line with British Sword Training. Another source stated that this sword was adopted by the Royal Marines and some Royal Navy Officers and as such, I can see the effectiveness of a shorter sword repointed for thrusting. So, after my convoluted rambling, does anyone know whether these swords were officially shortened, en masse by the British Army, used by the Royal Marines, or if I just have a repointed sword with a broken tip? Attached Images