British Swords

For hundreds of years, it is a great fun to collect British swords. Historical it is said that Backswords, Broadswords and Rapier was the first influence for British and Scottish military to develop a sword. Rapier was used in 16th and 17th century, it was long, slender, two-edged sword with a cuplike hilt but only used to punch with short blows. Around 18th of century, it was the first time when England planned to develop swords.

Initially round metal shaped swords were appeared in Great Britain and later the development of slashing swords of leaf shaped outline became spearheading in the region of Thames valley and south east of Britain and then a continuous series of swords started taking place. Finally, time to time modification and refinement to the designs of swords made it widespread.

A straight blade and a symmetrical in shape, three quarter basket hilted sword for the infantry officers were designed in 1897. It was a Pattern infantry Officer’s sword that is even unchangeable today. Its features indicate a power of its thrusting. Although blade is narrow but thick and has deep central fuller on both sides and rounded on both its edge and back towards the hilt.

In 1908 Pattern Cavalry trooper’s sword was designed for British army. It was purely used for thrusting. T shaped skewer like blade was thicker, guard is large and sheet steel bowl shaped can protect the hands while to the point. Behind the guard, there is thumb stop on top of grip and pommel helped to balance the length of the sword.

Considering the design of trooper’s sword and its effectiveness, Pattern Cavalry sword was developed for officers in 1912. It was in more decorative form.

These swords were used for thrusting only and mostly cause damage to the rider and horse. At the turn of 19th century, it was observed that slashing sword is much effective for the horse rider. And new design was developed based on Pattern light cavalry sabre sword in 1796 that was used during the Napoleonic Wars.

An eastern influence can be seen in the blade form. This light cavalry sabre sword is just like Indian Talwar that is why it has wide blade and lighter and easier to use. Curve of the blade is pretty significant and no other European sword has this curve. Although Persian Shamshir is quite different and much curved.  Tip of the blade is much wider (almost 10inches) that can maintain the balance well and sword can make slashing attacks.

British naval swords and dirks also have much influence for sword lovers. Antique British Navy cutlass commonly called a lead cutter. Other British swords like small swords, bayonets, fighting knives and fencing foils are also have distinctive features.

In England, till the mid of 19th century, there was a great competition between manufacturers and suppliers. They also had a lot of swords collection used by militants from the last 250 years. These antique swords are very admirable and even now are presented in galleries as national heritage.