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Swords of the British Army

The history and variety of swords carried by the British Army is extensive. From the 17th Century to the present day, many different styles and patterns were developed. The history of this development is a story of trial and error, with most testing undertaken on the battlefield, resulting in the avoidable deaths of British soldiers, who were issued with substandard swords that failed in battle conditions.

From the 18th Century onwards, more official oversight of British military swords culminated in the introduction of regulation patterns that required uniform standards of sword blade design and specifications for the strength of blades that included blade strength tests on specially manufactured machines – the Wilkinson Sword Company were particularly noted for their rigorous testing of a military sword blade.

For more information on the history of British military swords please see my new book – The British Sword – From 1700 to the Present Day – An Illustrated History – 12,000 full colour photographs – 884 pages – click on the image for more details.

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Military Swords of the British Army

If you collect British military swords and want to know more about their history then this is the book for you.

The British Sword – From 1600 to the Present Day An Illustrated History

884 pages – 12,000 Full Colour Images

AN IMPORTANT AND SUBSTANTIAL NEW BOOK ON THE HISTORY OF BRITISH SWORDS
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO IDENTIFYING BRITISH SWORDS THROUGH THE CENTURIES
FULL COLOUR QUALITY HARDBACK BOOK WITH HAND SEWN PAGES
ALL BOOKS SENT IN SECURE, PURPOSE-MADE PACKAGING AND FULLY TRACKED

For more details please click on the images.

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Sword Articles

Swords Book on British Swords

AN EXCITING NEW BOOK ON BRITISH SWORDS FROM THE 17TH CENTURY TO THE PRESENT DAY

AN IMPORTANT AND SUBSTANTIAL NEW BOOK ON THE HISTORY OF BRITISH SWORDS
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO IDENTIFYING BRITISH SWORDS THROUGH THE CENTURIES
WITH OVER 12,000 FULL COLOUR IMAGES OF BRITISH SWORDS 
BOOK LENGTH IS 884 PAGES
 FULL COLOUR QUALITY HARDBACK BOOK WITH HAND SEWN PAGES
ALL BOOKS SENT IN SECURE, PURPOSE-MADE PACKAGING AND FULLY TRACKED

Here is an excerpt from this book:

BRITISH 1882/1885/1890 CAVALRY TROOPER’S SWORD

THE 1882, 1885 AND 1890 Pattern cavalry trooper swords can be distinguished by their varying lengths, blade types and scabbards (this pattern saw the first adoption of fixed suspension rings). The fact that we see three changes of pattern in only a few years highlights the crisis experienced within the British Army to find a sword both durable and effective.

The 1882 Pattern is found in both ‘Long’ and ‘Short’ versions, with the relevance of having two specific lengths a matter of debate.  The general consensus is that the longer sword was for use by the heavy cavalry regiments who tended to employ taller men. This seems quite a strange theory, and the introduction of these two lengths has never adequately been explained. The pattern is easy to recognise because of the distinctive Maltese Cross motif cut into the guard. It was purely ornamental and served no practical purpose.

The blade is slightly curved, with a flat back and double-edged towards the spear point.  The grip is made up of chequered leather strips, riveted through the tang and is identical to the 1864 Pattern.

Many examples are also marked on the blade to the German sword maker, Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co., who impressed their knight’s head logo and company name to the blade ricasso.  Kirschbaum took on a large contract to produce these swords as British companies were unable to fulfil the initial orders, although Mole and Son and the R.S.A.F. Enfield, shared around 11,500 of the contract, with Kirschbaum taking the remaining 18,000. 

Experience of the sword on active service was not promising, with more complaints about the softness of the blade and its propensity to bend and break.  In a typical response, a Committee was established to look into this problem.  Regiments were asked for their opinions and the answers included the need for a longer blade.  Interestingly, some of the private manufacturers of the sword blade (including Mole & Son) were criticised for using lower quality steel and differing methods of hardening.

It was produced in relatively large quantities and remained in British Army stocks for a considerable time, with many carried by Yeomanry Regiments long after it was superseded by subsequent patterns.

© Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2024

Taken from The British Sword – From 1600 to the Present Day – An Illustrated History by Harvey J S Withers – 12,000 full colour photographs – 884 pages

For more details please click on the images.


 

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Sword Articles

British Sword Book

The British Sword – From 1600 to the Present Day – An Illustrated History – 884 pages

12,000 Full Colour Images

The definitive, illustrated history of British Swords from the 17th to the 21st Centuries.

AN IMPORTANT AND SUBSTANTIAL NEW BOOK ON THE HISTORY OF BRITISH SWORDS

Here is an excerpt from this book:

THE 1920 AND 1925 PATTERN ROYAL AIR FORCE OFFICER’S SWORD

IN 1920, AN AIR MINISTRY ORDER announced the introduction of a full-dress uniform for officers of the RAF.  As part of this announcement a sword with a gilt hilt and eagle head pommel was required to be worn with the uniform.  The Air Ministry formally laid out the exact specifications for the RAF officer’s sword in 1925, the sword having a single-edged, straight blade with gold-plated brass hilt, white fishskin grip and a brass, eagle head pommel.  Etching to the blade includes an eagle with outstretched wings and royal crown above.  Occasionally, some blades are named but this is quite rare although Sword of Honour presentation swords given to RAF cadets for exemplary leadership and officer qualities are known to exist.

The scabbard is made of black leather with gilt-plated brass mounts and loose hanging rings, while officers of Air Rank and above carried a version with more ornate, engraved mounts.  This is the sword still carried by RAF officers today.  Most post-war examples encountered were made by Wilkinson Sword until they ceased production of swords in 2005.

© Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2024

Taken from The British Sword – From 1600 to the Present Day – An Illustrated History by Harvey J S Withers – 12,000 full colour photographs – 884 pages

For more details please click on the images.

Categories
Sword Articles

The British Sword – An Illustrated History – From 1600 to the Present Day

884 pages – 12,000 Full Colour Images

The definitive, illustrated history of British Swords from the 17th to the 21st Centuries.
AN IMPORTANT AND SUBSTANTIAL NEW BOOK ON THE HISTORY OF BRITISH SWORDS

FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO ORDER PLEASE CLICK HERE

TO SEE EXAMPLES OF PAGES IN A FLIP BOOK FORMAT PLEASE CLICK HERE

INCLUDES:
CAVALRY SWORDS, INFANTRY SWORDS, NAVAL SWORDS, SMALLSWORDS, RAPIERS, HUNTING SWORDS, POLICE/PRISON/DEPARTMENTAL SWORDS, SCOTTISH BASKET HILTS, NAVAL CUTLASSES, ENGLISH CIVIL WAR SWORDS, NAPOLEONIC SWORDS, VICTORIAN SWORDS, MASONIC SWORDS, COURTSWORDS, GYMNASIA/TRAINING SWORDS, ROYAL AIRFORCE SWORDS, EXPERIMENTAL SWORDS, SWORD MARKINGS, RETAILERS’ MARKINGS, BRITISH SWORD MAKERS AND RETAILERS LIST, MAKERS, RETAILERS’ BLADE MARKS AND TANG BUTTONS, HISTORY OF BRITISH SWORD MANUFACTURE, HISTORY OF THE WILKINSON SWORD COMPANY, WILKINSON SWORD BLADE SERIAL NUMBERS DATING LIST, INFORMATION ON INDIVIDUAL SWORD PATTERNS, FULL BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Sword Articles

Collecting Antique Swords

I have been collecting and dealing in antique swords and edged weapons since 1998 and over that time, have been lucky enough to handle many thousands of antique military swords.  They have ranged from ancient Celtic warrior’s swords to superbly decorated 17th Century rapiers, to the very last cavalry sabres used on the battlefields of WWI. 

Antique Swords and Making Friends

I get a terrific thrill from buying and selling antique swords and there is no greater pleasure than attending auctions, antique arms shows or rooting around antiques shops, looking for a hidden gem.  I have met many collectors over the years and like to think that I have also made many friends in the world of antique sword collecting.  I am proud to say that the key to any positive relationship between buyer and seller is trust and I am happy to say that many of my current customers have been with me from my early days of selling.  Hopefully, it means that I am getting something right!  I have always traded on my reputation for providing original and interesting examples of swords spanning many centuries, coupled with a friendly and efficient approach to customer queries.  Emails are always answered promptly and I like nothing more than a good chat about swords!

Antique Swords and Books for Collectors

I have accumulated many thousands of full colour photographs of the swords that I have purchased and since 2003, have put them to good use by producing a series of price guides and reference books for the collector and student of antique military swords.  Click the images below for more information on all the books that I have authored.

Books will always pay you back many times over

I have always believed that the initial investment in a good reference book will always pay you back many times over and give you the edge when on the hunt for antique swords.  Take a look at my other articles and you will see that I have put together a bibilography of books for the sword collector.  I hope to keep adding to this list and welcome any suggestions.  Just e-mail me here if you have a suggestion for a title to add to the list.  The more knowledgeable we all become can only be a good thing.

Future Articles

As I develop this web site, I hope to produce more articles about collecting antique military swords and importantly, the history of these unique items.  Please check back regularly as I will be regularly adding new articles.  

I hope that you will find then both helpful and informative and please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to submit an article or make a suggestion.

Happy collecting!

Best wishes,

Harvey Withers

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Sword Articles

18th/19th Century Indian Silver-Hilted Tulwar Sword – For Sale

Late-18th/early 19th Century Indian silver-hilted Tulwar sword. With fine inlaid silver decoration to the hilt – plain, slightly curved blade. No scabbard. Blade length is 30 inches (35 inches overall).

PRICE: £245.00

FOR MORE IMAGES PLEASE CLICK HERE

GOT ANY QUESTIONS? 

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME AT: [email protected]

FULL COLOUR SWORD BOOKS FOR COLLECTORS

Click on image for more details.

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Sword Articles

Early 19th Century French Cup-Hilt Rapier Sword – For Sale

Excellent quality early 19th Century French cup-hilt rapier. With brass and steel hilt – brass twistwire to the grip. Slender, rapier-type blade and complete with brass/white metal and leather mounted scabbard. In very good condition. Blade length is 33.75 inches (42.5 inches overall).

PRICE: £445.00

FOR MORE IMAGES PLEASE CLICK HERE

GOT ANY QUESTIONS? 

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME AT: [email protected]

FULL COLOUR SWORD BOOKS FOR COLLECTORS

Click on image for more details.

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Sword Articles

Vintage Arab Jambiya Dagger – For Sale

Vintage 20th Century Arab Jambiya dagger. With resin or celluloid grip and white metal hilt mounts. Typical, double-edged blade with thick strenghthening spine to middle of blade. No scabbard. Blade length is 7 inches (12 inches overall).

PRICE: £125.00

FOR MORE IMAGES PLEASE CLICK HERE

GOT ANY QUESTIONS? 

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME AT: [email protected]

FULL COLOUR SWORD BOOKS FOR COLLECTORS

Click on image for more details.

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British Boer War 1899 Pattern Cavalry Trooper’s Sword – For Sale

Scarce British Boer War period 1899 Pattern Cavalry Trooper’s Sword. With large sheet metal bowl guard and riveted brown leather grip. Blade fortes with numerous date and inspection stamps. Plain, slightly curved blade – has been ground to a slim point towards the end of the blade – could have been done in service as this was a very unpopular sword due to both the hilt and the blade and was superceded only nine years later with the famous 1908 Pattern. With steel scabbard (locket absent). Blade length is 31 inches (38.5 inches overall).

PRICE: £315.00

FOR MORE IMAGES PLEASE CLICK HERE

GOT ANY QUESTIONS? 

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME AT: [email protected]

FULL COLOUR SWORD BOOKS FOR COLLECTORS

Click on image for more details.