1796 BRITISH ARMY INFANTRY OFFICERS SWORD NAPOLEONIC ERA PRE WW1

Offered is an original Napoleonic era, 1796 pattern British infantry sword.

Features a smooth folding gilded brass & copper guard with silver wire wrapped grip, plain urn topped pommel. Double edged spring steel, cuirassiers style, 81.5cm blade is in good condition showing some polish wear. Blade edge is armoury sharpened with spear-point end & 1 or 2 small edge nicks. No makers marks visible. 

A good solid infantry officers sword, missing scabbard but very serviceable and would display well. Sword measures 97.5cm.

History: The British Infantry Officers 1796 pattern

After a number of attempts the British Army finally standardized the sword carried by Infantry officers with a specific pattern. The issued order called for:

"The sword to have a brass guard, pommel and shell, gilt with gold; with grip or handle, of silver twisted wire. The blade to be straight and made to cut and thrust; to be one inch at least broad at the shoulder and 32 inches in length."