British 1848 Pattern Household Cavalry Trooper’s Sword

 

THE ROYAL HORSE GUARDS were issued a new trooper’s sword in 1848 that was designed by Birmingham sword makers, Reeves and Greaves.  These swords had a distinctive open, “honeysuckle” style of steel hilt and can be viewed as a more robust but plain-bladed version of the 1821 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Officer’s Sword.  There are minor differences, though. These include a backstrap with “ears” that were riveted through the tang and the addition of a brass-topped pommel.

The blade was slightly curved, with a rounded back and single fuller to each side.  It was double-edged for the last 12 inches and spear-pointed.  The grip was wood, covered in fishskin and bound with brass twistwire.  Scabbards were steel and with two bands that held loose rings.

It must be noted that these were not the only Household Cavalry troopers’ swords being carried at that time.  A number of hybrid and unique designs (including a version with a bowl hilt similar to the 1820 Pattern Household Cavalry Trooper’s Sword), was carried by both the 1st and 2nd Lifeguards.  This highlighted the fact that the Household Cavalry, who naturally regarded themselves as an elite regiment, unlike the more regular cavalry formations, were not always restricted by regulations governing the type of sword that had to be carried.  This unorthodox attitude to authority can be traced back to the regiment’s establishment in 1660.

© 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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