British 1832 Pattern Household Cavalry Officer’s Dress Sword

THE NEW DRESS SWORD for the 2nd Life Guards that was introduced in the 1834 Dress Regulations was a radical departure from previous British Army cavalry officers’ swords and it is thought that the original inspiration for this design was French, based on Gendarmerie officers’ swords of the Consulate and Empire periods.

The requirements for the sword expressed in the Regulations were succinct:

 “…half basket hilt, with three scrolled and chased bars.”

This brief description led to the design of a gilt brass hilt featuring a forked lightning design to the back of the pommel, with a bursting grenade to the flat surface (or ‘stool’) of the guard.  The blade is straight, flat-backed, with a fuller to each side.  It is also double-edged for the last 10 inches.  The grip is wood, covered with fishskin and bound with brass twistwire.  The scabbard is steel with two brass bands and loose suspension or hanging rings.  The shoe of the scabbard is elaborately decorated.

© 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.