Dress Swords and Fighting Swords: A Comparison
Feb 25, 2008 22:51:04 GMT
Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2008 22:51:04 GMT
Also posted at myArmoury and SFI, but I thought it might be of interest here, too!
I am providing temporary housing for a British Pattern 1845 Infantry Officer's Sword of picquet/levee weight, and thought it would be interesting to illustrate the differences between this sword and its fighting counterpart. When viewing photos of swords online, the swords are often isolated (meaning photographed alone). This can make it difficult to visualize how swords are either similar or different. Hopefully this little comparison helps. Feel free to add your own observations and photos of picquet (dress) and service weight swords.
The service sword is a P1845. Its dimensions are as follows:
Overall length:38 1/2"
Blade length: 32 5/8"
Blade width at shoulder: 1 1/8"
Weight: 1 lb. 15 oz.
The levee sword is a P1845. Its dimensions are as follows:
Overall length: 36 3/4"
Blade length: 32 1/8"
Blade width at shoulder: 11/16"
Weight: ~15 oz.
Here is a rare sight (from a Thomas Del Mar auction last year):
Here is an excerpt on picquet weight infantry swords from Robson's Swords of the British Army (revised ed.), p.159:
I am providing temporary housing for a British Pattern 1845 Infantry Officer's Sword of picquet/levee weight, and thought it would be interesting to illustrate the differences between this sword and its fighting counterpart. When viewing photos of swords online, the swords are often isolated (meaning photographed alone). This can make it difficult to visualize how swords are either similar or different. Hopefully this little comparison helps. Feel free to add your own observations and photos of picquet (dress) and service weight swords.
The service sword is a P1845. Its dimensions are as follows:
Overall length:38 1/2"
Blade length: 32 5/8"
Blade width at shoulder: 1 1/8"
Weight: 1 lb. 15 oz.
The levee sword is a P1845. Its dimensions are as follows:
Overall length: 36 3/4"
Blade length: 32 1/8"
Blade width at shoulder: 11/16"
Weight: ~15 oz.
Here is a rare sight (from a Thomas Del Mar auction last year):
A RARE CASED PAIR OF VICTORIAN 1845 PATTERN INFANTRY SWORDS BY PHILIPPS & SON, GEORGE ST., HANOVER SQ, LONDON, CIRCA 1864-70 with standard and piquet-weight etched blades, each decorated with foliage, the crowned Royal cypher, the owner's initials, 'A. H.', crested arms including three Eagles displayed, and motto 'Vive ut Vivas', regulation brass hilts, one retaining its leather liner and bullion knot, in their brass-mounted leather scabbards, contained together in their original mahogany case with flush-fitting brass carrying handle, and lined in padded red velvet (the lining worn) 82cm; 32 1/4in and 78cm; 30 3/4in blades Philipps & Son traded at this address as Philipps, Lawrence & Son circa 1864-70.
Here is an excerpt on picquet weight infantry swords from Robson's Swords of the British Army (revised ed.), p.159:
In addition to the normal pattern sword, light patterns of sword, (known as picquet weight swords in the Foot Guards) were introduced in which the blades are narrower (3/4") and the hilts correspondingly smaller and lighter. These were intended for wear off duty, in the evenings and in frock coat order. Although I have not found a specific authority for their introduction, the use was widespread and continued throughout the life of the Gothic-hilted patterns, so it was clearly known and accepted by the authorities at the Horse Guards.
