British 19th Century Civilian/Military Courtswords

THE CARRYING OF COURTSWORDS became increasingly popular during the 19th Century and reflected the growing importance of the monarch, combined with the expansion of individuals whose job was to administer and serve the King or Queen. 

One of the sword types most associated with the 19th Century courtsword comprises a gilt brass hilt with D-shaped knucklebow and prominent shellguard upon which is attached a VR royal cypher, crown and foliage.  The pommel is also fashioned into a royal crown.  The blades are slender and normally frost-etched with decoration of scrolling foliage.

Cut steel courtswords are also encountered with grips and shellguards decorated with incised patterning and applied polished steel studs.  Blades tend to be of trefoil profile.

© 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.