UP UNTIL THE LATE-18TH CENTURY, the position of the bandsman in the British Army was quite unique. Bands were comprised mostly of civilians with a small proportion of enlisted men. The civilian element of these bands were not actually required to join their regiments overseas or participate in active military service.
During the late-18th and early 19th Century, the responsibility for the upkeep of the musician with regard to uniform, accoutrements and weapons, was entirely that of the regiment and its officers. Consequently, a wide variety of sword designs were produced with some regiments trying to outdo eachother with the grandiosity of their bandsmen’s appearance, both in uniform and sword. This led to the popularity of employing black musicians who were seen as “exotic”and fashionable, particularly during the 1800’s.
As they were not obliged to fight, there was little emphasis put on the bandsman’s sword to have any practical fighting qualities. The need for ornament was the overriding concern. As the 19th Century progressed, band swords took on a more uniform hilt and blade style. This consisted of a short, curved or “scimitar” type blade, with a solid brass mameluke-style hilt. Animal forms were commonly incorporated into the pommel, and included a wide range of forms, including lions, tigers, eagles, and horses. Quillons were either S-shaped or straight. Some also have provision for a loose chain to the knucklebow. The regimental badge or number is sometimes engraved to the hilt ecusson. Straight-bladed examples of these swords are noted but tend to be from later periods, c.1840-50.
© Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2024