1796 Pattern Officers Sword with boatshell guard

Will M · 9th October 2021, 09:07 PM

Great to find this pattern sword in such good condition with scabbard.
I have a later 1822/45p infantry sword with an interesting addition quite similar to what you could put through the holes on your swords guard.

Jim McDougall · 12th October 2021, 02:14 AM

This is curious. The 1822/45 pattern has yarn wrapped around the inside guard, which would seem to be to prevent chafing of the uniform while worn. But the purpose of the folding guard is said to be to resolve that, so this seems redundant.
If the holes in the boat shell guard were to thread yarn for the chafing issue that might be feasible. If they were to secure padding as with many basket or half basket hilts, it seems it would be full surround.

9th October 2021, 09:07 PM	#1
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 395	Great to find this pattern sword in such good condition with scabbard. I have a later 1822/45p infantry sword with an interesting addition quite similar to what you could put through the holes on your swords guard. Attached Images

12th October 2021, 02:14 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	This is curious. The 1822/45 pattern has yarn wrapped around the inside guard, which would seem to be to prevent chafing of the uniform while worn. But the purpose of the folding guard is said to be to resolve that, so this seems redundant. If the holes in the boat shell guard were to thread yarn for the chafing issue that might be feasible. If they were to secure padding as with many basket or half basket hilts, it seems it would be full surround.