British 1820 Pattern Household Cavalry Trooper’s Sword

DURING THE NAPOLEONIC WARS, troopers of the 1st Life Guards carried both the 1796 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword and, in smaller quantities, a distinct brass, ladder-hilted sword that was issued solely to the Household Cavalry.

In May 1820, a new official pattern was introduced. It took the following form:

“Orders are given for new swords of a pattern approved by His Majesty.  As soon as it may be notified that they are to be delivered by Ordnance, they will be taken into wear, and officers will provide themselves with swords of a pattern which has also been approved by His Majesty.”

The 1820 Pattern sword has a solid bowl guard with the 1st Life Guards’ regimental device incised into the bowl guard. There are also twelve brass studs placed round its edge. The blade is unusually long (at around 38”), even for a cavalry sword, and combined with its heavy weight, would have been quite effective (albeit a little cumbersome) if used correctly by a strong arm.   It was not replaced until 1882 and had the longest service life of any other regulation British Army pattern sword (pre-1914).

© 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.