British 1803 pattern flank officer sword?

kronckew · 14th December 2021, 11:31 PM

From the USA, this is essentially the British proof test with slight modifications, for the 1862 sabres.

Proof and Inspection of Swords and Sabres.

1st. The dimensions and form of the blade are verified by comparing it with the model, and by applying the appropriate gauges and patterns, for the length, width, and thickness at several points, and the curvature, if any.

2d. The blade is then proved, as follows:—1st. The point is confined by a staple, and the blade is bent on each of the flat sides over a cylindrical block, the curvature of which is that of a circle 35 inches diameter, the curvature of the part next the tang being reduced by inserting a wedge 0.7 inch thick at the head, and 14 inches long. 2d. It is struck twice, on each of the flat sides, on a block of oak wood, the curvature of which is the same as the above. 3d. It is struck twice on the edge and twice on the back across an oak block 1 foot in diameter. 4th. The point is placed on the floor and the blade bent until it describes an arc having the versed Bine indicated in the above table. After these trials, the blade is examined to see that it is free from flaws, cracks, or other imperfections, and that it is not set,—that is to say, does not remain bent.

The blade of the artillery sword is proved by striking each of the sides and edges twice on a flat block of hard oak wood.

The stamp of approval or condemnation is placed on the side of the blade, below the tang.

3d. The form, dimensions, and workmanship of the mountings are examined and compared with the model. After the blade is mounted, the sword is again examined, and it is struck four times on a hard block of wood, to test the strength of the mountings. The quality of the brass mountings may be tested by breaking a certain number, not more than 4 in each hundred, which should be taken from the pieces rejected for erroneous dimensions.

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14th December 2021, 11:31 PM	#29
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,217	From the USA, this is essentially the British proof test with slight modifications, for the 1862 sabres. Proof and Inspection of Swords and Sabres. 1st. The dimensions and form of the blade are verified by comparing it with the model, and by applying the appropriate gauges and patterns, for the length, width, and thickness at several points, and the curvature, if any. 2d. The blade is then proved, as follows:—1st. The point is confined by a staple, and the blade is bent on each of the flat sides over a cylindrical block, the curvature of which is that of a circle 35 inches diameter, the curvature of the part next the tang being reduced by inserting a wedge 0.7 inch thick at the head, and 14 inches long. 2d. It is struck twice, on each of the flat sides, on a block of oak wood, the curvature of which is the same as the above. 3d. It is struck twice on the edge and twice on the back across an oak block 1 foot in diameter. 4th. The point is placed on the floor and the blade bent until it describes an arc having the versed Bine indicated in the above table. After these trials, the blade is examined to see that it is free from flaws, cracks, or other imperfections, and that it is not set,—that is to say, does not remain bent. The blade of the artillery sword is proved by striking each of the sides and edges twice on a flat block of hard oak wood. The stamp of approval or condemnation is placed on the side of the blade, below the tang. 3d. The form, dimensions, and workmanship of the mountings are examined and compared with the model. After the blade is mounted, the sword is again examined, and it is struck four times on a hard block of wood, to test the strength of the mountings. The quality of the brass mountings may be tested by breaking a certain number, not more than 4 in each hundred, which should be taken from the pieces rejected for erroneous dimensions.