1796 Pattern British Infantry Sword – with folding guard, silver grip and decorated blade – Universal Swords
In stock
$229.99
- Shipping estimated at checkout
- Every blade inspected before shipping
- 30-day returns
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Blade
- 1060-1065 High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length
- 36 7/8''
- Weight
- 1 lb 11.5 oz
- Brand
- Universal Swords
- Culture
- British
Overview
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.
Specifications
Every measurement that matters
- Brand
- Universal Swords
- Culture
- British
- Pommel
- Nut
- Overall Length
- 36 7/8''
- Blade Length
- 31 3/8''
- Blade
- 1060-1065 High Carbon Steel
- Weight
- 1 lb 11.5 oz
- Edge
- Unsharpened
- P.O.B.
- 7 1/8''
- Thickness
- 7.1 mm - 3.4 mm
- Width
- 25.4 mm
- Grip Length
- 3 3/8''
- Class
- Battle Ready
- Country of Origin
- India
Reviews
What collectors are saying
Q&A
Questions from the community
Q What is the historical background of this sword? Common Question
This is a reproduction of the 1796 Pattern sword that Britain standardized for infantry officers. It carried over Georgian smallsword styling into a cut-and-thrust design, and nearly every British Line Infantry officer wore one through the Napoleonic Wars until the Gothic-hilted sword replaced it in 1822.
Q What is the blade made of, and how durable is it? Common Question
The blade is 1060-1065 high carbon steel, tempered for strength. It's classified Battle Ready, meaning the blade and fittings are built to handle regular hands-on use rather than being a display-only piece.
Q Does this sword ship sharp? Common Question
No, the blade is unsharpened. It's ground and tempered high carbon steel, but without a cutting edge.
Q Is this sword set up for cutting targets like tatami or water bottles? Common Question
Since the blade ships unsharpened, it isn't ready for cutting tatami or water bottles out of the box. It's built for handling, drilling forms, display, and reenactment use instead.
Q What is the grip made of? Common Question
The grip is wrapped in copper wire that's plated with silver, giving it the bright, textured look typical of officer's dress swords of the period.
Q Does the guard fold? Common Question
Yes. Half of the guard is hinged so it folds flat, a period feature that let officers carry the sword comfortably at the hip. The photos show the brass shell guard opening on its hinge near the blade's base.
Q Is this a full-tang sword? Common Question
The pommel is secured by a nut, which means the tang runs the full length of the grip and is peened or threaded at the pommel rather than stopping short in the handle. That's the construction associated with a functional, durable sword rather than a decorative mount.
Q What is the point of balance, and what does it mean for handling? Common Question
The point of balance sits 7 1/8'' out from the guard. A balance point this close in keeps the blade nimble and quick to bring to the point, matching the thrust-oriented design the 1796 Pattern was built around.
Q What comes with the sword? Common Question
It comes with a leather scabbard trimmed in brass fittings at the throat and chape, matching the brass hilt.
Q How do I care for this sword? Common Question
Wipe the high carbon steel blade down after handling and keep a light coat of oil on it to prevent rust, since bare hands and humidity will cause spotting over time. The leather scabbard is fine for carry, but for long-term storage keep the blade out of it, as scabbards trap moisture against the steel.
The Maker
Universal Swords
With origins going back to 1960, India’s Universal Swords has been making reproduction swords for decades. With an emphasis on military sabers, universal produces a number of designs not found elsewhere. As the official US distributor of Universal Swords, KOA will be expanding to stock their entire line over time.
Often paired together
No reviews yet. Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.