Collecting Antique Swords and Edged Weapons Today

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Antique Swords and the World Wide Web

The collector of British military swords and militaria in general, has witnessed a vast number of changes in the last few years.  The advent of the worldwide web has probably been the most important.  Its global reach has enabled collectors to source many new pieces and provided a dynamic platform for the exchange of information, ideas and images.  Dedicated web sites have sprung up to cater for the sword collector and dealers have been quick to embrace the new technology.

Ebay and Internet Auction Sites

Customers can now both view and purchase swords directly from the comfort of their own home computer.  Internet auction sites such as E-Bay have also become a mecca for collectors, and every week, several thousand antique swords are traded.  E-Commerce can only expand further, and the use of the Internet as both a buying and information tool for collectors, looks set to be a major factor in the market.  That is not to say that it is all benefit driven.

Demand Outstrips Supply

It is an old adage in the antiques trade that demand invariably outstrips supply, and this appears to be the current situation when trying to source good examples of British military swords.  Although it appears that there is an enormous quantity of swords available to buy, the actual quality of these pieces seems to be diminishing.  Added to this is the fact that prices are rising at an alarming rate.  Collectors, particularly those new to the market, are seemingly prepared to pay what older hands would regard as silly money for rather ordinary pieces.

Setting Precedents

This has had the effect of setting precedents for the market and what appeared ridiculous before, is regarded as the norm today.  The main beneficiaries are the auction houses that have also realised that their business has a global reach and now offer facilities for customers to view and bid for lots online.  Gone are the days when only those standing on the auction floor were guaranteed to take lots home.  Commission bids frequently win the day.  I do not wish to cast an air of doom and gloom over the market but the collector must realise that he or she is not alone, and the quest for a fine piece will inevitably become much harder (and more expensive) in the future.

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Investment Value of Antique Swords

That said, the investment value of swords is becoming increasingly acknowledged, and with average yearly increases of around 20%, you will be hard pressed to find a better return in any financial market.  Not that many collectors wish to sell their coveted pieces but it is a reassurance to know that once bought, the value of a sword is likely to appreciate over time.

Knowledge Base

On a more practical level, the smart collector has one weapon in their armoury that he or she must never let slip.  That is the constant updating of their knowledge base.  The purchase of good reference books is crucial.  Buy as many as you can afford and devour the information contained within their pages.  Suitably armed, you can venture to both auction and Arms Fair with some kind of reassurance that you can actually identify the sword before you.

Arms Fairs and Auctions

Go to as many arms fairs and auctions as you can and also visit public collections.  In the case of British regulation swords, I suggest that you become confident in spotting all the different patterns.  They are all quite distinctive and it will not take you long to create a good mental picture of each pattern.  Whilst at the Fair, take your time when inspecting the sword.  Out of courtesy, always ask the dealer first if you can inspect the sword.  Two factors can inhibit your judgement.  One is the usual poor lighting which can obscure damage and alteration to the sword and the other is the sheer weight of numbers crowded around you.  Do not be put off by the fellow behind you who makes it clear that he also wants to view (and maybe, purchase) the piece.  If your hand is on the sword first, let him wait.  AND TAKE YOUR TIME!

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Inspect the Sword Carefully

Check that the blade has not been altered by looking at the tang button – any signs of filing or filler should be treated with caution. If the sword comes with scabbard, put both alongside each-other and compare the blade length with the scabbard length.  Scabbards are easily swapped around although some were legitimately replaced during their service life.  Take note of sword blades that do not fit snugly and are either too loose or tight.  With leather scabbards, tight fitting might be due to genuine leather shrinkage so use sensible judgement.  Always draw a sword out of a leather scabbard with the blade held vertically, point down, so as to avoid the danger of bending or breaking the leather.

Patination of Antique Swords

Look at the patination of both hilt and scabbard.  Even patination is what you are looking for.  A brightly cleaned scabbard and dark patinated hilt are obviously suspicious.  In recent times, there has been a spate of spurious inscriptions added to British military blades.  Not surprisingly, they are all attributed to notable officers or those involved in famous battles.  The etching is invariably very poor and in stark contrast to the original decoration.  Compare the two.  The Victorian craftsman would never have produced such shoddy work.  If it is also being offered at a cheap price, be warned.  There are very few bargains in the market anymore.  Do not be afraid to haggle with the dealer but do not offer a silly price.

Keep to your Limit!

This is both insulting and makes you look foolish!  If attending an auction, always stick to your bid limit and don‘t get carried away.  Buying a sword at twice your original limit is not a clever move.  Always remember to add on the buyer’s commission.

Above all, enjoy yourself, and remember that the proper care and attention lavished on a fine sword today ensures that it will be available for the pleasure and stimulation of many future generations.

© Article by Harvey J S Withers – militariahub.com

Not to be reproduced without prior agreement.

DO YOU COLLECT ANTIQUE SWORDS?

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR SWORDS?

IF SO, YOU NEED TO PURCHASE THESE FULL COLOUR BOOKS!!

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 CLICK IMAGES TO BUY YOUR SWORD BOOKS!!

 

British 1805 Pattern Naval Officer Sword

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Hilt: gilt brass.

Blade: usually single-fullered.

Blade length: approx. 32-34 inches.

Grip: ivory or bone with brass or copper twistwire.

Scabbard: Black leather with gilt brass mounts.

No official order has been found detailing the introduction and design of this sword, but it is generally agreed that mention of a regulation naval officer’s sword was made in August 1805, during correspondence with the Admiralty:

“A sword of each pattern to be sent to the Port Admirals…as the uniform swords to be worn in future by Officers of His Majesty’s Navy…”

It is likely that they were being worn before this time as stirrup-hilted swords, both in the Army and Navy, were very popular at this time.  The major change in design appears to be the move from a plain, stepped pommel to one that features a lionshead.  Swords worn by commanders and above had an ivory grip, with black fishskin for lieutenants.  Blades for senior officers were also heavily decorated in blue and gilt designs, including naval trophies, masts, anchors and flags.

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A regulation straight, cut and thrust blade, very much like the version carried by infantry officers, is the type most commonly seen, although there appears to have been a tradition with naval officers to carry broadsword blades.  They were probably old family blades simply attached to the new 1805 Pattern hilt.

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Very few blades survive with their decoration intact and many are found very worn and pitted, lacking the  original scabbard.  The negative effect of saltwater on these blades is a strong factor in their condition.  It is a great shame as the few complete pieces that I have seen are tremendously decorated, and the effect of the ivory grip, blue and gilt blade, with companion gilt brass and black leather scabbard, is truly superb.

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FINDING EXAMPLES IN THE MARKET TODAY

This pattern of sword is relatively scarce and finding original examples is difficult – blue and gilt blades are virtually unheard of in the current market.  Most are also without scabbard.  In recent years, fakes have been produced in India.

© Article by Harvey J S Withers – militariahub.com

Not to be reproduced without prior agreement.

DO YOU COLLECT ANTIQUE SWORDS?

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR SWORDS?

IF SO, YOU NEED TO PURCHASE THESE FULL COLOUR BOOKS!!

harvey-withers-3-sword-book-image

CLICK IMAGES TO BUY YOUR SWORD BOOKS!!

British 1804 Pattern Naval Cutlass

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Hilt: sheet iron, of “figure of eight” design.

Blade: usually flat-backed, occasionally fullered.

Blade length: approx. 21- 30 inches.

Grip: grooved iron.

Scabbard: Black leather with brass locket – rarely encountered.

Up until the late-eighteenth century, short swords or hangers had been the mainstay of edged weapons for ordinary British sailors whilst on board a ship of war.  They were not issued to every man and it was usual to have one between five or six sailors.

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The introduction of a tubular, smooth gripped cutlass in the 1790’s (figures 1. and 2.) was the first serious attempt by the British Navy to introduce some kind of uniformity into the supply of cutlasses to naval ratings.  It had a distinctive “figure of eight” rolled iron hilt that varied considerably in  thickness.  There is some debate as to the origin of this style of cutlass and it has been suggested that they might actually be traced back to earlier American designs, particularly during the Revolutionary War.  The fledgling American Navy issued a cutlass (Model 1797) which bears a great resemblance to these British cutlasses and it is probable that the British actually copied the design from the Americans.

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These cutlasses are sometimes found with greatly deformed hilts due to the thinness of metal, and many have breaks or cracks to the guard.  Blades differ both in length and thickness, but are normally straight (although I have seen the odd slightly curved blade), with single, narrow fullers.  Occasionally, they are maker marked with a government inspector’s stamp to the blade forte.  Makers  include James Woolley, Thomas Craven and Henry Osborn.  There are many variations of this early cutlass, and contracts were given to a wide number of sword-makers, who all interpreted the design in their own peculiar way.

The smooth gripped cutlass is much lighter than the later ribbed grip British cutlassses.  Due to their use in saltwater, it is rare to find one without medium to heavy pitting.  I would be suspicious about any that are in very good condition.  I have seen a number of copies, most notably of the 1804 Pattern. No attempt has been made to age these cutlasses, and blades are smooth with no age wear.

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These early cutlasses would invariably have been supplied with a brass mounted scabbard or no scabbard at all.  Scabbards are rarely seen, and most would have been discarded soon after they were issued on board ship. Cutlasses were normally kept in racks without scabbards in order that they could be quickly on hand for action.   Unlike swords issued to individual soldiers in the British Army, cutlasses were issued to the ship itself, rather than the seaman.

Little or no training was given in the proper application of the cutlass, and it was expected that the sheer bravado and raging blood lust of the British sailor, would be enough compensation for any shortfall he may have had in the niceties of sword-play.  The cutlass was primarily a hacking and slashing weapon, with the human head being the natural target for any boarder.

In  1804, the Board of Ordnance ordered 10,000 swords from a pattern supplied by Henry Osborn of Birmingham. There does not appear to be any evidence that the authorities laid down strict criteria for this new cutlass, and Henry Osborn was probably working on his own initiative. The most notable aspect of this new design was the ribbed iron grip and heavier, longer blade.  The disc hilt is also more developed and thicker than in earlier cutlasses.

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The first contract was shared between all the Birmingham sword cutlers including Osborn, Woolley, Gill and Dawes, at a price of 4/10d without scabbard (2/3d extra supplied).  Other suppliers and quantities included:

Most of these 1804 Pattern cutlasses would have been made between 1804 and 1816, as the Board of Ordnance did not order any more cutlasses for the Navy until 1841.

FINDING EXAMPLES IN THE MARKET TODAY

This pattern of sword is relatively scarce and most are in poor condition (as expected for a sword used in saltwater conditions).  It is copied and there are some well made examples in the market – spurious sellers have been known to artificially age them.

© Article by Harvey J S Withers

DO YOU COLLECT ANTIQUE SWORDS?

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR SWORDS?

IF SO, YOU NEED TO PURCHASE THESE FULL COLOUR BOOKS!!

harvey-withers-3-sword-book-image

CLICK IMAGES TO BUY YOUR SWORD BOOKS!!

Harvey J S Withers – Antique Sword Images Gallery #1

Antique Sword and Edged Weapons Gallery #1 

Dear Collectors,

Here is a selection of both past and present antique swords and edged weapons that I have bought and sold over the last few years.  I hope that you enjoy viewing these images and that they add to your knowledge of the subject.  I will be adding more galleries shortly.

© IMPORTANT NOTE:  I ask that you do not copy these images without my express permission as they are owned by me and therefore copyrighted.

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Harvey Withers – Antique British Swords

Harvey Withers – Antique British Swords – Are you a Collector?

If so, please take the time to visit my antique sword store and here you will find a great selection of antique British military swords for sale.

I have been a dealer in antique swords and edged weapons for many years and am also the author of a number of books on both British and World Swords.  Just click on the images below for more information.

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Harvey Withers – Selling Antique Swords and My Personal Reputation

For a number of years I have been selling antique swords to customers throughout  the world and have earned a reputation for fairness and reliability. I am always happy to correspond with customers and talk about this fascinating area of history and collecting. I am also a great believer in freedom of speech on the internet but please be aware that this freedom should not extend to anonymous individuals committing libel and spreading outrageous falsehoods about a person’s character and reputation. Unfortunately, I have been a persistent victim of this anonymous and cowardly practice (as have other sword collectors, dealers and auction houses that have innocently crossed this individual’s path) and I ask anyone reading blogs that spread this malicious material to simply make up your own mind as regards the kind of mentality that would spend hours writing anonymously (he never displays his real name) about individuals they have never met and who have no right to reply.

Nothing to Hide

Anything I write on the net I do so with my name prominently displayed – I have nothing to hide and am proud of what I do and my achievements.  It is interesting to note that if I was such an awful character as depicted in these dreadful blogs and I had done all the things attributed to me by this one individual, then how is it that I have managed to stay in business selling antique swords to thousands of satisfied customers since 1999?  Surely, my misdemeanours would have caught up with me by now and I would be pursuing a different occupation?

Commitment to Customer Care

If you want to find out more about my longstanding and genuine commitment to customer care and honesty, please go onto e-Bay (user id: anglianmilitaria) and read my many thousands of positive feedbacks that date back to 1999.

Strong Family

Luckily, I am blessed to have a wonderful wife and family who have supported me during this difficult time and I thank them for making me realise that those who actually know me whether through personal friendship or business dealings, would never believe anything written by this individual.  I sometimes wonder if he is referring to another Harvey Withers as this person and all his awful character traits is definitely not known to me!

Role of the Internet and Blogging

Let me finish by saying that the internet is supposed to be a forum for debate, information and improving our understanding of the world.  In that role it does a marvellous job and long may it continue.  Blogging is a major outlet for those who wish to express their views on a myriad of issues and concerns and in many countries, it is the only democratic means to highlight serious miscarriages of justice and human rights concerns.

Saying that,  I do not believe that web hosts who allow anonymous blogging that defames innocent people and destroys reputations, adds anything to the internet or the goodness and progress of the world in general.

Thank you for reading this.

Harvey Withers

Internet Trolls and the Sword Collecting Community

Be aware that trolls really do exist and they are in resident in our sword collecting community!  There are individuals out there who gain enormous pleasure from writing completely false and libellous comments in blogs and forums about those who both collect and sell antique swords.  They are called internet trolls and usually suffer from various forms of mental illness and deep self-loathing.

Multiple Personality Disorders

Feel sorry for them and their multiple personality problems but don’t believe what they write!  If you read anything in a blog that attacks an individual, look at the kind of language used – invariably it takes on a ranting tone and includes lots of personal attacks and lies – interestingly, it usually concerns the personal appearance of the victim which probably indicates an physical inferiority complex by the internet troll himself (or herself of course!).  Normally their blog not only attacks an individual, but a whole group of people, organisations or companies, who they have decided (in their own twisted view of the world) should be relentlessly attacked from the comfort (and safety) of their computer many hundreds, if not thousands of miles away.  How cowardly is that?  If you read garbage from any individual on the internet purporting to be an expert on antique swords and using multiple blogs and bogus forums (peopled by himself using aliases) to attack both me and other persons, I suggest you take whatever is said with a very large pinch of salt and just carefully read the rantings and make your own mind up!

Seen an Internet Troll Recently?

I have been told that the troll below is pretty representative of what these subterranean folk look like.  Do you know anyone who looks like this…?

British 1788 Pattern Light and Heavy Cavalry Sword

SPECIFICATIONS:

Hilt: Steel/Wrought iron.

 

Scabbard: Steel or wrought iron – also steel/iron with leather and fishskin panels/black leather/steel mounts.

Blade: Straight or slightly curved blades.

Blade length: approx. 33”(light cavalry) – 37” (heavy cavalry).

Grip: fishskin or leather – usually bound with either silver, brass or copper twistwire.

The 1788 Pattern Cavalry Officers’ and Troopers’ Swords (in both the heavy and light patterns) were the first officially regulated British cavalry swords.  It must be remembered though, that the interpretation then of what was meant by “regulation” was rather loose, and the styles shown are what previous authors have identified as being most likely to be of 1788 form.  The light cavalry versions feature a stirrup hilt and a broad, slightly curved blade.

To distinguish between a Light Cavalry Officer’s Sword and the Trooper’s version, we can say in general terms that the officer’s sword tends to have a decorated blade and ferrule to the bottom of the grip. The overall standard of finish is normally better, although there are definite exceptions to this rule which can make identification quite difficult.

The differentiation between officer and trooper in the heavy version is more clearer.  The trooper’s half basket hilt is typically plain, with the grip covered in leather, wood, fishskin and brass wire.  The officer’s sword normally has a grip covered in fishskin and silver wire, with a more elaborately wrought hilt and pommel.  The 1788 Pattern heavy cavalry sword has a broad, straight, single fullered blade.  A decorated blade is also an indication of officer status although I have seen plain bladed officers’ swords with just a makers name (normally Gill or Runkel) to the blade forte.

Gill seem to have had quite a monopoly on the production of these swords as they frequently turn up marked with his name to both the blade and scabbard.  Woolley and Co. is also a common maker whose name features on these blades.  1788 Pattern swords are fairly difficult to locate in good condition and doubly so with the original scabbard.  Grip damage and worn blades is usual.  Look out for the versions with steel and leather/fishskin panelled scabbards.  They were also manufactured in all-steel or wrought iron.

FINDING EXAMPLES IN THE MARKET TODAY

This is an extremely scarce sword and few example turn up in the market.  When they do be prepared to spend a reasonable amount of money and only buy those in the best condition as many are in poor or worn condition.  It is not known to have been copied to date.

© Article by Harvey J S Withers militariahub.com

Not to be reproduced without prior agreement.

DO YOU COLLECT ANTIQUE SWORDS?

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR SWORDS?

IF SO, YOU NEED TO PURCHASE THESE FULL COLOUR BOOKS!!

harvey-withers-3-sword-book-image

CLICK IMAGES TO BUY YOUR SWORD BOOKS!!

 

 

British 1895 and 1897 Pattern Infantry Officer Sword

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Hilt: Steel/Nickel-plated.

 

Blade: Of Wilkinson, single-fullered type and double-edged towards end of blade.

Scabbard: Steel/Nickel-plated.

Blade length: approx. 31”- 32”.

Grip: fishskin – usually bound with either silver, brass or copper twistwire.

The British 1895 Pattern Infantry Officer’s sword was a considerable improvement on previous patterns in that the design afforded much better protection to the wearer’s hand through its new three-quarter basket hilt (figures 1. and 2.).  Combined with the introduction of a more robust blade in 1892, it boasted a wicked thrusting point, and was soon proven in combat to be an effective infantry weapon.

One alteration made in 1897, was the turning down of the inner guard to prevent fraying of the uniform (figure 3.).  The South African War of 1899 also heralded the introduction of a universal brown leather field service scabbard (nickel plated steel was used for dress).  This pattern of sword is still carried by serving British Army Infantry Officers.

There are a considerable number of these swords available within the collecting market.  During the First World War, Wilkinson alone produced over 10,500 1897 Pattern swords, so it is advisable to purchase one in exceptional condition.  I have found that most examples post-1945 are not of the same quality (particularly the blade etching) as their predecessors.

FINDING EXAMPLES IN THE MARKET TODAY

The 1897 Pattern is currently being copied in India and Pakistan and they are common in the market and frequently sold as original both via the general market and auction houses so beware – they are easily spotted due to the very poor blade etching, pig-skin and thin, brass wire wrapped grip.

© Article by Harvey J S Withers – militariahub.com

Not to be reproduced without prior agreement.

DO YOU COLLECT ANTIQUE SWORDS?

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR SWORDS?

IF SO, YOU NEED TO PURCHASE THESE FULL COLOUR BOOKS!!

harvey-withers-3-sword-book-image

CLICK IMAGES TO BUY YOUR SWORD BOOKS!!

 

British 1827 Pattern Rifle Officer Sword

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Hilt: steel/nickle-plated.

Blade: slightly curved and flat back, single fuller and with spear point – normally double-edged for last 7 – 8   inches.

Blade length: approx. 31”- 32”.

Grip: fishskin – usually bound with either silver, brass or copper twistwire.

Scabbard: Steel/Nickle-plated/Black leather with steel locket, middle band and chape.

Originally raised as the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in 1755, the Rifle Brigade as we know it was formed in 1800.  Initially, officers carried a lighter version of the 1796 Light Cavalry Sword and later adopted the 1803 Infantry Officer’s sword, with a strung bugle motif placed on the knucklebow.  Officers were noted for their elite individuality, both in uniform and tactics, and it is no wonder that they eventually gained their own distinctive pattern of sword.

The 1827 Pattern Rifle Regiment Sword  is defined by an all steel hilt and the replacement of the usual royal cypher with a strung bugle in cartouche. This motif symbolised the earlier use of the bugle to control rifle troops rather than the drum favoured by the Infantry of the Line.  Later in the Victorian era, nickel plated examples superseded the original steel hilt.   This pattern of sword is still carried by Rifle Officers in the British Army.  Victorian swords are invariably decorated with the names of regional volunteer rifle regiments.  This is one of the most common of British pattern swords and frequently seen in the market.

Examples appear frequently in country auctions and might indicate that many of the volunteer militia swords strayed no further than the owner’s town or village boundary.  The regular army were rather contemptuous in their opinion of these volunteer regiments and viewed them, perhaps unkindly, as weekend soldiers.  Contemporary cartoons also portrayed the officers as bloated buffoons, more interested in impressing the ladies with their dashing uniforms, than the serious business of military manoeuvres.  This is a crude caricature.  Most volunteers took their duties very seriously.

FINDING EXAMPLES IN THE MARKET TODAY

This is a common sword in the market and representative of the many thousands that were produced for both volunteer officers and the British Army.  Due to its relatively common availability, it is best to wait to acquire as good an example as you can afford.  It is a pattern of sword that can be regularly acquired from antique arms fairs and auctions.  It is not currently known to be copied.

© Article by Harvey J S Withers – militariahub.com

Not to be reproduced without prior agreement.

DO YOU COLLECT ANTIQUE SWORDS?

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR SWORDS?

IF SO, YOU NEED TO PURCHASE THESE FULL COLOUR BOOKS!!

harvey-withers-3-sword-book-image

CLICK IMAGES TO BUY YOUR SWORD BOOKS!!

Antique Sword Collecting Books by Harvey J S Withers

Here are a selection of reference books by Harvey J S Withers for those interested in collecting antique military swords

 

All books are lavishly illustrated in full colour and present a detailed history of the military sword and some also include a price guide for those interested in knowing what their swords are worth.  Just click on the images for more information.

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Harvey J S Withers – British Military Swords 1786-1912.  The Regulation Patterns.  An Illustrated Price Guide for Collectors, Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2003.

ISBN: 0-9545910-0-3

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Harvey J S Withers – World Swords, 1400-1945, An Illustrated Price Guide for Collectors, Studio Jupiter Military Publishing, 2006.

ISBN: 0-9545910-1-1

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Harvey J S Withers – The Sword in Britain, Volume One 1600-1700, Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2011.

ISBN: 0-9545910-3-8

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Harvey J S Withers – The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres, Lorenz Books, Studio Jupiter Military Publishing, 2008.

ISBN: 13:978-0-7548-1851-9

ISBN: 10:0-7548-1851-9

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Harvey J S Withers – The Scottish Sword, 1600-1945, An Illustrated History, Paladin Press, 2009.

ISBN: 978-1-58160-713-0

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Harvey J S Withers – The Pictorial History of the Sword – Southwater Books, 2010

ISBN-10: 1844768392

ISBN-13: 978-1844768394

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Harvey J S Withers & Dr Tobias Capwell – The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Knives, Swords, Spears and Daggers – Lorenz Books, 2010

ISBN-10:0754823318

ISBN-13: 978-0754823315

 

British 1845 and 1854 Pattern Infantry Officer Sword

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Hilt: Gilt brass “Gothic” style, with curved spur replacing the former pattern’s folding guard.

Blade: of Wilkinson, single-fullered type and double-edged at the last 9-10 inches.

Blade length: approx. 31- 32.5 inches.

Grip: fishskin, bound with either silver, copper or brass twistwire.  Some grips also bound in leather.

Scabbard: Black leather with gilt brass locket, middle band and chape.  Later scabbards were all steel.

When compared with the 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword, the main difference concerns the absence of a folding guard and change from pipe back to single-fullered “Wilkinson” blade.  This change to the hilt was made in the Regulations of 1854.  The “Wilkinson” 1845 Pattern single fullered blade is the most common type to be found with this hilt.

Special mention should be made concerning some excellent 1854 Pattern swords manufactured by Wilkinson.  The quality of these is very apparent, especially in the sturdy hilt construction and the crisp, deep etching to thick, wide blades.  A good heavy duty scabbard was also supplied in both steel and leather on steel.  These swords were made for proper service use and would have undergone strenuous testing at the Wilkinson factory.

This sword also has a picquet weight equivalent carried during social engagements.  There were never official regulations for the carrying of these lightweight versions, but they are very common and so must have been accepted unofficially by the authorities.

FINDING EXAMPLES IN THE MARKET TODAY

This pattern of sword was produced in large quantities during its service life and consequently, is not a difficult sword to acquire.  It is being copied in the Far East but these are typically of poor quality and exhibit pigskin grips (rather than the original and typical fishskin covering) and crude blade etching.

© Article by Harvey J S Withers – militariahub.com

Not to be reproduced without prior agreement.

DO YOU COLLECT ANTIQUE SWORDS?

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR SWORDS?

IF SO, YOU NEED TO PURCHASE THESE FULL COLOUR BOOKS!!

harvey-withers-3-sword-book-image

CLICK IMAGES TO BUY YOUR SWORD BOOKS!!

 

British 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer Sword

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Hilt: Gilt brass “Gothic” style, with folding guard.

Blade: Pipe back and double-edged for the last 8-9 inches.

Blade length: Approx. 31- 32.5 inches.

Grip: Fishskin, bound with either silver, copper or brass twistwire.  Some grip also bound in leather.

Scabbard: Black leather with gilt brass locket, middle band and chape.

The 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword was a radical departure from previous designs, with its half basket hilt becoming the standard format for British infantry swords until the end of the nineteenth century.  Distinctive features of the sword include the “Gothic” style pierced hilt, so-called after its resemblance to the shapes of windows in Gothic architecture, and the “s-shaped” folding guard.  Elegant in design, the slender pipe backed blade was sheathed in a black leather scabbard with decorated gilt brass mounts.  The royal cypher was placed within an oval hilt cartouche and during its lifetime, this pattern featured three monarchs (George IV, William IV and Victoria).  Victorian examples are pretty common with many varieties of design interpretations to the royal cypher.

Later versions have the single fullered 1845 Pattern “Wilkinson” type blade that became the army standard.  I would recommend buying the pipe back version as it is more elegant in profile and truer to the original design.  There is a “picquet”, “levee” or dress form of this sword which is a lightweight version with a much narrower blade.  It was carried by the officer at social functions including balls, mess dinners and probably at Court.

As a fighting weapon, the 1822 Pattern was rather unsatisfactory, the blade being far too weak and the hilt bars affording little protection.  When the 1845 Pattern blade was introduced, officers were not required to immediately change to the new pattern.  They were allowed to carry the old pipe back sword blade until it became unserviceable.  As with many new items of equipment introduced into a regular army, it was unlikely to have been a seamless and rapid introduction.  Some years would pass before all officers carried the new official regulation sword.  The idea that in 1845, all British infantry officers suddenly discarded the 1822 Pattern pipe back blade in favour of the 1845, would be a little fanciful and completely impracticable, and not to say, uneconomic.  The purchase of an officer’s sword was a major financial strain on many officers and they were not likely to discard an expensive sword because the authorities deemed it necessary.

FINDING EXAMPLES IN THE MARKET TODAY

Both George IV and William IV had relatively short reigns and, consequently, examples are scarce, especially in good condition.  They tend to be more delicate than later Victorian pieces and many are found with broken or missing folding guards, and damage to the hilt piercings.  It is a good idea to check carefully to see that the folding guard is working properly as they were easily damaged.  Also take care when folding guards as they were held together with very thin pins and can easily snap.

Late Georgian blades are very finely etched with much less decoration than later Victorian examples.  Consequently, the pre-Victorian swords tend to have very worn etching (sometimes to the point of obscurity).  Up until around 1835, there would also have been a black leather hilt lining.  Very few of these survive intact.

© Article by Harvey J S Withers – militariahub.com

Not to be reproduced without prior agreement.

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British 1803 Pattern Infantry Officer Sword

SPECIFICATIONS:

Hilt: Gilt brass, with lion’s head pommel and pierced knucklebow.

Scabbard: Black leather with gilt brass locket, middle band and chape.

Blade: curved and flat back, single fuller and with  spear point – normally double-edged for last 7 – 8   inches.

Blade length: approx. 31”- 32”.

Grip: fishskin ivory, bone or ebony – usually bound with either silver, brass or copper twistwire.

Most examples are found without scabbards but it is worth holding on until you can locate a complete piece.  This sword looks most attractive when paired with its gilt brass and leather mounted scabbard.  In recent years copies have appeared in the market that are being made in the Far East.

They tend to have a leather wrapped grip and poorly executed hilt and far too heavy blade.  As with all these modern imports, the sheer lack of quality to the piece must raise suspicions to the prospective buyer.  More underhand sellers will try and age the sword, particularly the blade, so beware.

By 1800, this type of curved fighting sabre had already been unofficially adopted by many light infantry (or flank) officers, and it was only a matter of time before official recognition came in 1803.  This is one of the most attractive of British pattern swords and there are a number of subtle variations in design, most notably to the royal cypher on the knuckle-bow, the lions-head pommel and the use of either a bugle or flaming grenade above the royal crown, denoting use by both grenadiers and rifle companies.

Most  blades were also lavishly decorated with either blue and gilt  etched decoration, frost-etched or plain etched.  Some blades were simply plain, without ant decoration, indicating either a personal choice or an officer’s limited budget.  Examples with ivory grips were likely to have been carried by more senior officers.

Its curved, cavalry-type hatchet blade borrowed much from the eastern scimitar, and it quickly enjoyed a vogue amongst officers returning from the recent Egyptian campaigns.

Although seemingly unsuited to fighting on the ground (its curved blade would have been more effective when slashed from the saddle), style over substance seems to have won the day.  Lieutenant William Smith of the 77th Foot (Middlesex Regiment) carried this pattern as he “hewed and slashed his way through the enemy” before succumbing to his many wounds at the Battle of Ciudad Rodrigo (1812) in the Peninsular War.

FINDING EXAMPLES IN THE MARKET TODAY

This pattern is very popular with collectors and it is actually not an uncommon sword but most encountered are in relatively poor condition – it is rare to find one retaining its original blue and gilt finish to the blade and most are without scabbard.  Be prepared to pay a high premium for an example in original condition.  This sword is now being extensively copied but they are generally of poor manufacture – look out for artificial ageing to the hilt, blade and scabbard.

© Article by Harvey J S Withers – militariahub.com

Not to be reproduced without prior agreement.

 

An Essential Reading List for Antique Sword Collectors

Antique Swords reference booksHere is a selected list of books that will prove useful for the collector of antique swords

Unfortunately, many are now out of print but they are well worth hunting for.  If you have access to the internet, the use of an online out of print book finding service might possibly turn up these publications.  Arms Fairs usually have a few stands devoted to specialist books, and I always make it a habit to come home with at least one reference book.

Good Reference Books

I cannot stress too much the  importance of having good reference books close to hand.  They have proved invaluable to me in the identification of antique swords.  I can guarantee that they will repay their initial cost many times over.  Arms Fairs usually have a few stands devoted to specialist books, and I always make it a habit to come home with at least one reference book.  Note:  Where possible, I have included the ISBN.  This list will be regularly updated.

Happy hunting!

Sword Book List

P.G.W. Annis –  British and American Naval Edged Weapons 1660-1815, Arms and Armour Press, 1970.

J.D. Aylward – The Smallsword in England, Hutchinson, 1960.

Aries, C.  – Armes Blanches Militaires, Francais, Paris, 1967.

Richard H Bezdek – Swords and Sword Makers of England and Scotland, Paladin, 2003.

ISBN: 0-486-25434-8

H.T. Bosanquet – The Naval Officer ’s Sword, H.M.S.O., 1955.

Jean-Jacques  Buigne – Armes Blanche, Editions du Portal, 1999.

ISBN: 2-86551-041-7

Richard F. Burton –  The Book of the Sword, Dover Publications Inc., New York, 1987.

ISBN: 0-486-25434-8

Bashford Dean  – Catalogue of European Arms and Armour , Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1905.

Bashford Dean.  – Catalogue of European Court and Hunting Swords , New York, 1929.

Claude Blair  – European and American Arms  – London, 1962.

P. Carrington-Pierce  – A Handbook of Court and Hunting Swords 1660-1820, London, 1937.

Anthony D. Darling –  Weapons of the Highland Regiments, Museum Restoration Service, 1998.

ISBN: 0-919316-33-6

Vladimir Dolinek and Jan Durdik – The Encyclopedia of European Historical Weapons, Hamlyn, 1993.

ISBN: 0-600-57538-1

James D Forman– The Scottish Dirk, Museum Restoration Service, 1993.

William Gilkerson – Boarders Away. With Steel, Naval Edged Weapons and Polearms 1626 – 1826 ,  Andrew Mowbray Publishing, 1991.

ISBN: 0-917218-50-7

D S H Gyngell – Armourer’s Marks, Cambridge University Press, New York, 1963.

J F Hayward – Swords and Daggers, H.M.S.O., 1964.

James Henderson – Sword Collecting for Amateurs, Frederick Muller, London, 1969.

G F Laking – Wallace Collection Catalogue of Oriental Arms and Armour, London, 1964.

George G Neumann – Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, Rebel Publishing Inc., 1991.

Nick Evangelista – The Encyclopedia of the Sword, Greenwood Press, 1995.

ISBN: 0-313-27896-2

Charles ffoulkes and E. C. Hopkinson –  Sword, Lance and Bayonet, Arms and Armour Press, 1967.

A.N. Kulinsky –  European Edged Weapons, Atlanta, St. Petersburg, 2003.

ISBN: 5-901555-13-9

W.E. May and P.G. Annis – Swords for Sea Service, H.M.S.O., 1970.

W.E. May and A.N. Kennard – British Naval Swords and Firearms, H.M.S.O., 1962.

Cyril Mazansky – British Basket-hilted Swords, Boydell Press, 2005.

ISBN: 1-843830531

National Trust for Scotland – Culloden.  The Swords and the Sorrows, NTS Trading Company, 1996.

ISBN: 0-901625-58-2

George C  Neumann  – Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, Rebel Publishing Co., Inc., 1991.

ISBN: 0-9605666-9-4

A V B Norman –  The Rapier and Smallsword, 1460-1820, Arms and Armour Press, 1980.

ISBN: 0-405-13089-9

A V B  Norman– Smallswords and Military Swords  – London, 1967.

Ewart Oakshott –  Records of the Medieval Sword, The Boydell Press, 1991.

ISBN: 0-85115-566-9

Ewart Oakshott – European Weapons and Armour, The Boydell Press, 1980.

ISBN: 0-85115-789-0

M. Christian Ortner and Erich Artlieb – With Drawn Sword.  Austro-Hungarian Edged Weapons, 1848-1918, Verlag Militaria.

ISBN: 3-9501642-3-5

Michel Petard – Le Sabre D-Abordage (Boarding Cutlasses), Editions du Canonier, 2006.

ISBN: 2-912430-11-9

Harold Peterson – The American Sword 1775-1945, Riling Arms Books, 1996.

ISBN: 0-9603094-1-1

Euro Piancastelli – Lame del Risorgimento, Sciabole Spade e Daghe dell’ Esercito Piemontese, ed. Italiano Dal 1814 al 1873, 2007.

Brian Robson – Swords of the British Army, The Regulation Patterns, 1788 to 1914, National Army Museum, 1996.

ISBN: 0-901721-33-6

P S Rawson – The Indian Sword, Copenhagen, 1967.

Ian D. Skennerton –  British Service Sword and Lance Patterns, Ian Skennerton, 1994.

ISBN: 0-646190-36-9

Ian D. Skennerton and Robert Richardson –  British and Commonwealth Bayonets, Ian Skennerton, 1984.

ISBN: 0-949749-04-4

Ian D. Skennerton – The Broad Arrow.  British and Empire Factory Production, Proof, Inspection, Armourers, Unit and Issue Markings, Ian Skennerton, 2001.

ISBN: 0-949749-43-5

Leslie Southwick – London Silver-Hilted Swords.  Their Makers, Suppliers and Allied Trades, with Directory, Royal Armouries, 2001.

ISBN: 0-948092-47-5

George Cameron Stone –  A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration and Use of Arms and Armor in all Countries and in all Times, Jack Brussel, 1961.

Eric Valentine  – Rapiers, Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA, 1970.

Eduard Wagner – Cut and Thrust Weapons, Spring Books, London, 1967.

Paul Wagner and Mark Rector – Highland Broadsword, Chivalry Bookshelf, 2004.

ISBN:1-891-448-21-8

John Wallace – Scottish Swords and Dirks.  An illustrated Reference Guide to Scottish Edged Weapons, Arms and Armour Press, 1970.

Gerald Weland – A Collectors Guide to Swords, Daggers and Cutlasses, Chartwell Books Inc., 1998.

ISBN: 1-55521-726-5

Frederick Wilkinson – Swords and Daggers.  An Illustrated Reference Guide for Collectors, Arms and Armour Press, 1985.

ISBN: 0-85368-673-4

Frederick Wilkinson – Swords and Daggers, Ward Lock and Co., Ltd, 1967.

John Wilkinson-Latham – British Military Swords from 1800 to the Present Day, Crown Publishers, Inc, 1967.

John Wilkinson-Latham – British Cut and Thrust Weapons, David and Charles Publishers, 1971.

R.J. Wilkinson-Latham – Pictorial History of Swords and Bayonets, Ian Allan, 1973.

Robert Wilkinson-Latham – Mr Wilkinson of Pall Mall, Volume One, 1772-1899, Pooley Sword Ltd Publishing, 2007.

ISBN: 978-1-84336-147-3

Robert Wilkinson-Latham – Mr Wilkinson of Pall Mall, Volume Two, 1900-1972, Pooley Sword Ltd Publishing, 2007

ISBN: 978-1-84336-148-0

Robert Wilkinson-Latham – Wilkinson Sword Patterns and Blade Rubs, Including Index and Details, 1844-1954, Pooley Sword Ltd Publishing, 2008.

ISBN: 978-1-84336-157-2

Robert Wilkinson-Latham – The Swords and Records of Robert Mole and Sons, 1835-1920, Pooley Sword Ltd Publishing, 2008.

ISBN: 987-1-84336-149-7

Terence Wise – European Edged Weapons, Almark Publishing, 1974.

Harvey J S Withers – British Military Swords 1786-1912.  The Regulation Patterns.  An Illustrated Price Guide for Collectors, Studio Jupiter Military Publishing, 2003.

ISBN: 0-9545910-0-3

Harvey J S Withers – World Swords, 1400-1945, An Illustrated Price Guide for Collectors, Studio Jupiter Military Publishing, 2006.

ISBN: 0-9545910-1-1

Harvey J S Withers – The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Swords and Sabres, Lorenz Books, Studio Jupiter Military Publishing, 2008.

ISBN: 13:978-0-7548-1851-9

ISBN: 10:0-7548-1851-9

Harvey J S Withers – The Scottish Sword, 1600-1945, An Illustrated History, Paladin Press, 2009.

ISBN: 978-1-58160-713-0

To see my antique sword books for sale please click here

British 1786 and 1796 Pattern Infantry Officer Sword

1786fiveballinfantry2

SPECIFICATIONS:

Hilt: Gilt brass (occasionally seen in iron/steel) – with “beaded” or “five-ball” knuckle-bow and forward-guard.

Blade: “Spadroon” type – flat-backed, single-fullered and with spear point.

Blade length: approx. 32”- 33”.

Grip: ivory, bone or ebony.

Scabbard: Black leather with gilt brass locket, middle band and chape.

The 1786 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword was adopted soon after the official abolition of the Officer’s Spontoon, or half pike, which had become little more than a symbol of authority in the field of battle, rather than an effective combat weapon.

King George III approved the introduction of a straight bladed, single fullered sword, and early 1786 Pattern spadroon-type versions are to be found with a straight, beaded knucklebow, reeded ivory grip and cushion, vase or urn-shaped pommels.  This was soon replaced by a double shell guard.

1786metalscabbard3

Early examples of the 1786 Pattern have a rigid double shell guard that was superceded in 1796 for one that had a folding guard.  This adaptation enabled the officer to avoid fraying his uniform.  An NCO pattern is also found with plain brass hilt, blade and scabbard mounts.  Hilt and scabbard mounts were plain brass.  It is much rarer than the officer‘s sword as they were normally discarded when unserviceable.

The 1796 Pattern was the mainstay of the British Infantry Officer for over 25 years.  Its obvious defects and fighting inadequacy were no doubt the cause of many unnecessary deaths amongst British officers.  Protection to the hand was minimal, and the blade was rather thin and flimsy.

This example shown on the left has the typical hinged folding guard, urn-shaped pommel and blue and gilt decorated blade.  Unusually, the original officer’s bullion sword knot still remains.  Because of their obvious fragility, very few survive and especially in this condition.

1796infantryswordknot3

Grip covering tends to be either silver twistwire, sheet silver (applied to give the appearance of twistwire) or copper wire.  Some blades were not decorated but left  plain but most feature blue and gilt decoration, including the royal coat of arms, “GR” (George III) cypher and stylised foliage, stands of arms, trophies etc.  Rarely do you find an officer’s name etched to the blade.

Scabbards are normally found with leather and gilt brass mounts although occasionally, steel versions are encountered that would have been used in the field.  The leather and gilt brass scabbards were prone to damage whilst campaigning (and consequent poor storage over the years) and it is rare to find both sword and scabbard in fine condition.

FINDING EXAMPLES IN THE MARKET TODAY

The 1796 pattern (with folding guard) was produced in large quantities during its service life and it is one of the most common British Napoleonic officer’s swords offered for sale in British auctions and at antique arms fairs.  It is being copied in the market but the  quality is rather poor when compared with the original.

1796INFANTRYSWORDKNOT7

Sadly, most are in moderate to poor condition, with many having lost either their scabbard or hilt quillon and twistwire.  Blades are normally without their original blue and gilt decoration.  With this in mind, it is advisable to hang on, save your money and wait for a good example to come along.

Many examples are marked “JJ Runkel” to the blade edge.  John Justus Runkel, originally from Germany and later to become a naturalised Englishman, had an office in London and was a major importer of German blades for officers of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars.  Other makers names noted on blades of this pattern include Birmingham sword makers, Woolley and Deakin and London makers, Brunn, Prosser and Salter.

© Article by Harvey J S Withers – militariahub.com

Not to be reproduced without prior agreement.

DO YOU COLLECT ANTIQUE SWORDS?

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR SWORDS?

IF SO, YOU NEED TO PURCHASE THESE FULL COLOUR BOOKS!!

harvey-withers-3-sword-book-image

CLICK IMAGES TO BUY YOUR SWORD BOOKS!!