Steel Hilted Swords
In 1827, officers of the Rifle Regiments (considered somewhat of an elite) were authorised to carry their own variation of the sword. The blade was that of the 1822 pattern sword (changing, along with the line infantry, to a fullered blade in 1845). The hilt was of the gothic pattern but in steel with the crown and stringed bugle motif of the light infantry replacing the royal cypher. the steel guards were often less well rendered than that of the brass hilts. There was no folding flap. The pattern is still current for the Light Infantry Regiments.
In 1854, the regiments of the Foot Guards were also required to carry a steel hilted sword. This was the same weapon as for the rifle regiments, but with the regimental badge in place of the stringed bugle. Similarly, this is still the regulation pattern for Guards officers to the present day.
Read more about this topic: Gothic Hilted British Infantry Swords (1822, 1827, 1845, 1854 And 1892 Patterns)
Famous quotes containing the words steel and/or swords:
“For when they meet, the tensile air
Like fine steel strains under the weight
Of messages that both hearts bear—
Pure passion once, now purest hate....”
—Allen Tate (1899–1979)
“If all would lead their lives in love like me,
Then bloody swords and armor should not be;
No drum nor trumpet peaceful sleeps should move,
Unless alarm came from the camp of love.”
—Thomas Campion (1567–1620)