THE INTRODUCTION OF THE 1821 Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword heralded the arrival of a true cut and thrust weapon for the British Army. As with most cavalry swords designed for the British Army in the 19th Century, the reception by those who had to use them in battle was typically underwhelming, but it was certainly a great improvement on the previous pattern (1796 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword) and with its large bowl guard, gave considerably more protection to the hand, an area of particular complaint by heavy cavalry troopers.
The blade was slightly curved, with a flat back and wide, single fuller, that became double-edged and spear-pointed towards the last 10 inches of the blade. The guard was steel with a sword knot slit near the pommel. Grips were made from wood with a ribbed leather covering and the scabbard was steel, with two loose hanging rings attached to narrow bands. It also displayed a large shoe.
Production of this new pattern (at the Enfield manufactory) did not commence until 1825 as the new light cavalry pattern took precedence and there were already huge surplus stocks (34,000) of the previous heavy cavalry pattern. So it was some time before it was issued to regiments but it wasn’t long before the complaints started. These included the problem of blades being too thin and liable to snap in battle. Later, during the Crimean War, the sword encountered difficulties when attempting to pierce enemy uniforms, particularly the thick greatcoats and rolled blankets of the Russian infantryman. In response to this, attempts were made to strengthen and thicken the blades and scabbards during the service life of this pattern.
© 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
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