Hi Norman,
It is my understanding that hunting swords were often used by officers in campaign, and certainly in degree vice versa. The hunting sword was an important element of fashion for the gentry, which also of course included military officers. While these were important implements in the hunt, they served as well as weapons for officers, and in accord with military fashion, the blades used in the hunt, an event where the gentry and these military officers were often one in the same, embellishments might include varying motif.
I think the best descriptions of these instances and blades are in "Hunting Weapons" by Howard Blackmore, but in general, I thing the occurrence of either civilian hunt or military panoplies might be fairly common. The hunting sword also became very popular as a 'court' weapon as well.
The descriptions of these swords..hunting, court and dress swords are kind of misleading in my view as far as their actual use.
Outstanding examples you are posting here!!! Thank you!!!
All the best,
Jim
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