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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2009 1:51:15 GMT
The period complaint against the P1853 was that the grip was too round, which made it difficult to hold properly, thus affecting edge alignment when cutting. The P1853 was replaced in 1864 by a sword with a bowl guard, the P1864. However, the pattern must have been liked by some because the Royal Horse Artillery asked to keep the P1853 and carried it throughout the 19th century. Ah, yes, I remember reading that, now that you remind me. I thought there were also complaints that being dedicated to neither thrusting nor cutting, it performed poorly at both, but perhaps that's a more modern comment. If the swords used in the video were originals, well, wow!  I don't know whether to regard that as an admirable dedication to the spirit of scientific investigation, or as damnable risk-taking with valuable historical artifacts  Probably closer to the former, although I wouldn't like to have been the trooper assigned to the task... Cheers Marc E |
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Post by Kilted Cossack on Mar 13, 2009 1:56:50 GMT
If the swords used in the video were originals, well, wow! I don't know whether to regard that as an admirable dedication to the spirit of scientific investigation, or as damnable risk-taking with valuable historical artifacts Probably closer to the former, although I wouldn't like to have been the trooper assigned to the task... Cheers Marc E I think my head just exploded. I would have LOVED to have been that squaddie! "Colour Sergeant, before we shoot the video, I think I need a few more hours of sabre practice . . . . " |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2009 11:31:21 GMT
I think my head just exploded. I would have LOVED to have been that squaddie! "Colour Sergeant, before we shoot the video, I think I need a few more hours of sabre practice . . . . " Yeah, but imagine if you broke one!   Cheers Marc E |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2009 16:28:53 GMT
Thanks Jonathan! Excellent viewing! Does anyone know what swords they were using? I'm assuming they're not originals! So who made the reproductions? Haveakarma Cheers Marc E The Royal Armouries have their own workshop in which the make and repair a lot of the armour used by their re-enactors. Sop it might have been made by the Armouries |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2009 19:06:14 GMT
I have a reply... The swords used for the video are indeed originals and not replicas. Tens of thousands of these were made, so I don't think they were taking a very big gamble in the grand scheme of things. The RA probably own a good number of these. However, I will not be replicating this video any time soon, even if I learn to ride. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2009 19:06:19 GMT
Wonderful video. Enjoyed it greatly. Thanks!
I would much rather have been that squaddie, then the melon.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2009 23:52:16 GMT
Very fun to watch. The botched cuts weren't pretty, but the ''good'' cuts were beautiful. The last swing's effect were very impressive, I have no doubt these blades could hit very hard those poor infantrymen, in the old days ...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2009 1:40:37 GMT
This is a display from the Tower of London (taken during my 2007 visit). On the right are P1796 LC swords, and on the left are P1796 HC swords. The RA appears to have 1796s to spare!  Yes, that is a mirror to make look even more impressive. With or without it, though, there are still quite a few swords in those racks. |
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Post by Kilted Cossack on Mar 14, 2009 2:21:20 GMT
Many thanks for the updates . . . somehow, I felt sure they had more than "3 or 4" 1796s tucked away there.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2009 13:01:27 GMT
"The RA appears to have 1796s to spare! ... there are still quite a few swords in those racks." Oh sure, they've got a lot of them now, but all it takes is a bit of attrition here and there, the odd natural disaster, war, anarchy, zombie apocalypse, then after a few centuries, before you know it really, they're all gone  ;D Cheers Marc E |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2009 22:19:19 GMT
There are some great articles on the Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry Troopers' and Officers' Sabers (and articles on other swords) at www.swordsandpistols.co.uk. There is also a nice photo gallery featuring many Napoleonic era swords. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2009 1:38:30 GMT
There are some great articles on the Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry Troopers' and Officers' Sabers (and articles on other swords) at www.swordsandpistols.co.uk. There is also a nice photo gallery featuring many Napoleonic era swords. Jonathan Ok, Now I've got to give you another karma! That's a great site- Thanks! Cheers Marc E |
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I don't know whether to regard that as an admirable dedication to the spirit of scientific investigation, or as damnable risk-taking with valuable historical artifacts 
Probably closer to the former, although I wouldn't like to have been the trooper assigned to the task...
Yes, that is a mirror to make look even more impressive. With or without it, though, there are still quite a few swords in those racks.
