Great observations Ian!! and I think that would be a great topic for a thread on 'sword forensics'.....examination and assessment of combat damage vs. unrelated inflictions of the blades of edged weapons.
It is true that real sword combat, in addition to perhaps virtually all forms of combat, whether embellished in literature, narrative or movies, is far from these depictions. Actually even duels etc. were typically brief actions with a series of rapid and quickly ended moves, interspersed with long positioning, guaging and deliberate movements....far from the swashbuckling, constant clanging of blade against blade. In actual use, energy is quickly spent, though in actual combat, fear, anger and adrenalin propel the combatants far beyond normal limitations. It is really impossible to guage the intensity of the blows struck, or random results of such violent interaction, and the kind of glancing damage seen on Ians posted French blade is a great example.
It is hard to imagine protocol, regulation or procedural adherence in the maelstrom of chaos that must have exploded in these horrific events, but I recall one instance that I believe was recounted from the Charge of the Light Brigade. A wounded British cavalry trooper engaging a Russian cavalryman in the melee following contact in the charge, was later complaining about the engagement claiming that he had used a cut so and so in attack, expecting a responding cut in accordance to protocol, but complained the fool responded with the inappropriate cut in accord, and knocked him off his horse.
Clearly the trooper was referring to the "Rules and Regulations for the Sword Exercise of Cavalry" (1796) written by LeMarchant and authorized by George III............it seems it must have been uttered humorously, as obviously the Russians could not have been expected to follow such rules. Just the same, it is interesting to see how sanely and rationally prescribed rules cannot possibly be part of the relative and incidental insanity experienced in the horrors of this kind of combat, regardless of training and expectation.
It is fascinating to see the history that unfolds as we examine a cavalry sabre tossed unceremoniously into a garage, and left for years. It is a shame that the public at large typically does not realize that historic items are not just in museums or in books, but in staggering numbers exist in these very circumstances. It is heartening to see another of these old warriors saved from obscurity.....thank you Norman!!!!! and thanks for the fantastic discussion here guys!!!
All the best,
Jim