British pipeback parabolic blade saber c. 1801

[Jim McDougall]

Well noted Bryce, and agreed, it is very hard to accurately determine which particular type of unit a sword might have been used in, and likely they sometimes ended up in other types of units. Officers often sold commissions and acquired new in others such as cavalry to infantry or other.

In my post #21, I mentioned a basket hilt which had been mounted with a cavalry blade, but forgot to post photos.

To reiterate, this was an infantry basket hilt, contrary to those well known for cavalry units through the 18th century as favored by dragoons, and with long straight blades.
This type munitions grade basket was produced by London cutlers Jeffries as well as Drury and perhaps others in about 1740s. During the American revolution and after, the infantry other ranks ceased carrying swords, and relied on the bayonet. These basket hilts apparently ended up largely in stores and it is unclear what further use they mght have had.

However, with my example, it was mounted with a M1788 light cavalry blade and when I acquired it about 40 years ago, it was suggested to have been for a flank company officer. For some time that seemed somewhat plausible and it was some time before I saw another also mounted with 1788 blade in the same way.

Could this have indeed been for a flank company officer's use as a fighting weapon? or perhaps for cavalry officers in similar manner? or....further, a naval weapon? (naval officers also often favored cavalry weapons, and not all combative situations with naval contingents were at sea). It is known that in numerous cases, the basket hilt was found in maritime context.

These are questions which typically will remain held secret to the weapons themselves, and we can only speculate. Still certain forensic and other types of evidence can sometimes offer compelling direction to these theories.

[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.