1796 Pattern British Infantry Sword – with folding guard, silver grip and decorated blade – Universal Swords

When the British Army standardized the swords to be carried by infantry officers in 1796 this is the sword they settled on; a spadroon-like cut-and-thrust sword with simple, but elegant Georgian styling that hearkened back to the Smallswords carried by gentlemen in earlier times. In just four years following, the blade was at the hip of practically all British Line Infantry Officers. Regardless of the standardization of form, the blades varied in their width and in their engraved decoration. Though widespread, it was not regarded as a good combat blade despite being used through the entirety of Britains contests with France in the Napoleonic Era. It would not be officially replaced until 1822 by the more elaborate Gothic-Hilted sword and before then many officers had opted to acquire the 1803 Pattern saber instead.

This replica of the 1796 British Infantry Officer sword has a blade of unsharpened, tempered high carbon steel. Both sides of the blade feature the embossed cyper of the British Crown surmounted extensively by royal devices and floral motifs. It has a hilt of brass and a grip wrapped in copper wire that is plated with silver. Half of the guard is hinged and folds for ease of carry at the hip. The scabbard is of leather with brass accents.