Love those shorter blades. My latest one, a 1845 french nco has been service sharpened, and makes that lovely swooshing sound like a toothless whistle.
The depth and scope of knowledge on edged weapons being packed around inside M.E's head is astounding. Always an interesting talk on the example been shown. Kudos.
I've read that another reason for discontinuing the pipe-backed blade was that fact that the pipe-back prevented a blade slicing entirely through its target. I'm no expert on the subject, so I cannot comment on the veracity of this explanation. Some early 1827 swords had open half-basket guards, not filled in - like Army swords In the early 20th century there were also swords specifically made for warrant officers that had a black fish-skin grip and no lion on the pommel. In all other respects they were the same as the sword for commissioned officers.
I find it interesting that the British military (the RN?) maintains a fixed regulation length for their swords. In the US Marine Corps, don't know about the other branches, there is no fixed length, our swords vary in blade length depending on the height of the Marine. All the regulations say is that the tip of the blade should be in line with the (top of the?) ear. This is so that when in formation all of the swords appear to be the same length no matter how tall or short the Marine carrying the sword is.
RB: US naval officers swords are the same way. I recall the reference being the corner of the eye or the eyebrow. My sword is 28 inches, I"m 5'6 1/2"". retd' 2005.
Always good to see Royal Navy equipment, hope you do more on the RN. The Royal Navy, of course, saw a lot of action ashore, as well as afloat, in naval brigades as you mention.
@@99IronDuke as a former World Cup sabreur I would have been a bit more useful with that than I was with an assault rifle, I suspect!!! But no. I didn't...
The non-regulation bladed RN sword can be seen on your wall in a vid of 2015 "Medieval European cross-hilted swords - religious or not?" : the bottom one.
Hi Matt, my G-G-(not sure how many) grand father was a fleet surgeon in the Crimean War. I have a painting of him with Crimean War medals, and holding his 1827 sword. I also have the original medals and sword. A nice set, albeit the blade is covered with surface rust…. Love your channel! Cheers
That is a beautiful sword. I'm just getting into sabre fencing myself. Lots of fun, but the flowing circular movements are still pretty awkward for me. Love those sneaky sabre thrusts though.
MATT, A FEW CORRECTIONS - Mine (a Wilkinson) has white leather for the grip. The hinged clip is very important for drill, because, unless carrying colours, a sheathed naval sword is never slung, and always carried. When you move from standing to attention to start marching, the sword is smartly thrown by the hilt, and caught by the same hand by the upper brass fitting of the scabbard with the blade edge up and pointing forward. Also, never leave an RN sword in its scabbard standing on its drag as it will cause ripples in the leather which cannot be removed. I used mine as my service blade for parades in the late 80s to early 90s. It wasn’t a horrid pipe-back either, nor the current 1892 pattern either, but the 1846. The pattern today may still be the 1846, but it isn’t what you’d be offered from the armoury today. Most now are a very light version of the 1892 pattern, as per infantry blades. They are not nice, usually of pretty low quality. Something else you missed. The brass hilt is, or was when new, gold plated, as were the brass fittings of the scabbard.
Hello Slick - yes that change was made in 1929, when the blade was made straight and narrow. It's speculated that the Navy essentially went from a fighting sword to a court sword. I have several swords, but my No. 1 go-to is my GV which has a distinct sabre blade and is heavy and substantial. It's a really lovely sword, but sadly with no maker's name engraved on the shoulder. My pipe-backed 1827 sword is great for cutlass drill, but I have to be wairy in parades so I don't disgrace myself by the scabbard falling off.
I've recently come across your channel--wonderful content, from analysis, movie reviews, etc. There's a era that seems like it'd be deep in your bailiwick, though I haven't see it discussed much of anywhere, really. What were the typical swords used in the wars of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough? I know dueling and civilian swords at this time were largely small swords. I've seen your reviews of the 1796 sabers. Was Churchill's army using the kinds of broad swords like mortuary swords or military swords that would have been typical of the Cromwellian period? Or had an evolution taken place by then? Thanks and keep up the great content
Matt, how prevalent were 'fighting swords' being carried/used in battle vs a regulation sword? I've read accounts from the Napoleonic up to the Indian Mutiny of officers using such, but don't know if it was common or exceptional.
Based on the hilt, I'd guess your sword pre-dates 1830. I did some research after acquiring a Royal Navy sword and it seems that: * The first swords had a standard sword knot hole like yours. * By the mid to late 1830's double sword knot holes in the guard predominated. * There was an intermediate pattern with a single sword knot ring inside the guard on the ferrule at the front of the grip. So far as I know the dates for the hilt changes are unknown and the types probably overlapped somewhat. I read several sources, but the only one I recorded was a (magazine?) article titled "British Naval Edged Weapons - An Overview" by Peter Tuite.
The problem comes that different makers updated at different times. I have had a sword that must have dated to the 1840s with the ring on the front of the ferrule and equally I have known later examples (roughly 1850) without the two holes. I find that with 19th century swords we can generalise, but never be 100% absolute. The semi-fullered semi-pipe-back blades are an example. They are not supposed to exist according to the regulations.
I have handled that sword is a very lovely blade indeed. I'd really like to have one like that one day. Also, Bersaglieri of the Italian Army used, and still use, the lion's head style pommel.
You mention that the sword was commonly worn "upside down". If that is the case, how does having the folding section make the sword more comfortable to wear, as the folding section is now "outboard". Also, were these swords generally worn "hilt aft" in the manner of modern USN and US Army officers' swords?
Great video and piece. I’ve got one by E Thurkle with a narrow fullered blade. I’m guessing it’s a 1846 Pattern. It also has HMCN around the fouled anchor and also etched on the blade, does that stand for Her Majesty’s Colonial Navy?
I would love to see some strength testing on that folding guard.. Perhaps get a replica that has a folding guard and compare it to one that has a solid guard and see how much weaker it really is?
If a junior officer with a dark grip on their sword got promoted and needed a light grip, did he have to buy a whole new sword, or could he just have the grip replaced?
This reminds me: What's the sword in the painting at the start of Sharpe? Looks like a British 1803 infantry officer's sword, lion's head (joined at the chin by the looks of it), but the hilt looks chunkier and more elaborate
I remember that dutch marine and sailors said the english navylion was seasick, not biting the hilt, but barfing. The royal navy did not like the laughter and decided the little alteration. Since then the english navy lion is wearing a napkin, so the dutch navy and sailors are still laughing and can't wait what little alteration will be made this time.
Just with the amount of variation seen in 19th century Cav and Infantry officer swords, do you ever see the naval officer hilts on something more like a cutlass blade?
No, it’s an RN sword. It has a curly quillion and the knot is a cord rather than a ribbon, with a acorn rather than the more pointy one of the RAF.Thinking further, the RAF hilt is much more similar to the 1897 infantry shape (in gold plate obviously) abc the blade is a version of the straight 1892. This is clearly the 1927 pattern naval hilt. The blade is more enigmatic. It’s too broad I the point to be an 1892 and seems to have a ricasso. But it appears to be too straight to be an 1827or 1846. In the end, I suspect it is an 1846. Whatever, it’s certainly RN not RAF.
Yes, it is odd. I wan't really looking at his uniform, but that is definitely his RN sword. Perhaps not that unusual in a Royal context, as they often create their own uniform combinations that mash-up elements of different services (see the last Royal Wedding for examples).
Love the video, as I'm especially interested in early P1827's with a pipeback. I've inherited my great-great-great uncle's sword, who was the Commodore of the Indian Navy. Have a photo of a painting of him (now at Greenwich) in full get-up with it on his hip. It has the crest of the East India Company instead of the fouled anchor, has a 32 1/4" long blade, and is only 0.8" (2.1cm) wide with just the suggestion of a yelman. No maker's marks on the heavily patinated blade, nor signs of etching, and has just the single hole in the guard for a sword knot - although I think it did have a hook near to the folding part of the guard which I understand some really early examples had. John Croft Hawkins was born in 1798 and died in 1851, serving most of his time in India, and I'm guessing this was his sword from the 1840s or so, maybe early. I'd love to know the correct type of sword knot and how it was tied, as I think the one I got is wrong (sword has neither sword knot or scabbard).
I have one of these swords in my collection; however the fouled anchor on the guard has been replaced by, i am told, the emblem of P&O. Since my great great, great grandfather was a P&O Master in the 1850's and this was apparently his sword it follows that merchant vessels trading, as he was, in the Far East clearly armed themselves following RN tradition.
Great stuff as always! A bit of a question for you: What sort of sword would a British light cavalry trooper have used in the 1870s? I saw a film adaptation of Hardy’s “Far From the Madding Crowd” the other day, which includes a scene where Sergeant Troy shows off his swordsmanship skills wielding what appears to be a 1796 pattern. I assume they selected this sabre because it looks cool, but would it have been at all plausible for this sword (or a similar one) to appear as late as this?
Hi - No :-) He should have had an 1853 or 1864 pattern. The 1796 went out of use in Britain by about 1830 (old ones being kept in service after the introduction of the 1821, until they wore out). The 1796 was brought back into production for Indian cavalry in the 1850s, but not for British cavalry.
Thanks! I’m surprised it lasted as long as that, at least for the Indian army. Was it to do with the curviness being more in line with what native Indian troops were used to?
Yes, Indian troops liked the 1796 more than any other British-made sword. Old stocks of them (un-issued) existed in India and during the Mutiny Hodson found such a store and dished them out to his men. Robert Mole of Birmingham revived the manufacture of them until a compromise design was introduced for Indian cavalry in around 1870, with a 1796-like blade and a 3-bar (1821) hilt.
I have a question, sorry if you've done a video on this already. But when using straight military swords(like late 17th century and 18th-century cavalry swords) Would you be using "saber" techniques? Do these type of swords go under Saber in HEMA?
Off-topic question, where did you get that coat? It looks completely functional and it's also damn good looking? I've seen you wear it before and I might have asked then, but if not, I'm asking now :)
Yo matt. Interesting videos. Im not even into hema and all them things. Your just interesting and present with humour and wit. Dont suppose you will reply but how comes their are so many types of sword in modern times. I understand the forging but the designs change so frequently. I suppose its to inspire folk to keep upgrading? And spend money.
How does the sword sound when you ring it? It would be interesting to hear the difference between the fullered blades and the pipe backs! Also I don't know if you mentioned it in the video but is the false edge sharpend on those swords?
How are Superdry not sponsoring you? Just look at all the comments saying you look great in that jacket, or asking where you go it from. This happens every single video you're wearing their brand, and even some you're not, too.
Huge fan. Could you do movie fight review on "Revenger" (2018; Netflix) sword fight. It's about 80 minutes in, starring a stuntman Bruce Khan. I think you would like it because it doesn't make the same popular mistakes you point out in other movie fights. The fight has 2 parts. Part One looks like a talented swordsman fighting a bunch of untrained thugs with machetes. The protagonist one-shots a bunch of villains. Part two is 2 vs 1 boss fight. To my untrained eye, the choreography looks really really good. Would love to see your critique on this !
I tried to find it in one of your videos and failed, but I remember seeing a scabbard for a 19th century sword that had a "frog button" where pushing the button released the sword to be drawn. What type of sword and scabbard was that? I think the idea could be very useful in the 21st century, as I don''t want my sword falling out for the same reasons as the Royal Navy.
Currently, Warrant Officers and Masters at Arms wear swords with black hand grips and a plain step pommel. The only lion headed pommel swords I have seen have been with the white grip for all commissioned ranks. Historically, there was a distinct class of officers, who, although saluted, were not commissioned and were appointed by warrant (Master ,Gunner, Bosun etc). Could this sword have been carried by this old style of Warrant Officer?
I’m looking into getting into HEMA but the only club within a reasonable distance is ARMA and I’ve heard some unscrupulous things about ARMA. Should I join just to get the basics down or should I try to find something else?
I noticed on some recent sword websites like Regal Swords of England, that they offer a brass version or a gold plated version. Which one is more authentic? Or which one is the actuall one used by the Royal navy? Cheers
I am not certain that was the reason. Brass scabbards would technically be better than leather for that, as navy swords often get damp inside leather scabbards unfortunately.
As mentioned, in this period the Royal Marines used infantry models. Though in the Georgian and Victorian periods they did sometimes adopt some naval features according to personal taste (eg. having an fouled anchor on the blade or guard).
I need that coat, Matt. Please tell me, what is it called? Also.... great video, as usual. *Edit - I know it's from Superdry but cannot find it on the site. Anyone else who knows the name of the coat please chime in.
Howdy Boss,I was just wondering if You would be willing to take a stab at identifying a Sword for Me,I am going to ask Skallagrim as well,I am certain that between the two of You,I will gain some Information about it because You Guys know Your Stuff.
I think if I was leading a boarding party, or trying to repel one a cutlass with a shorter blade good for chopping and a big steel hilt would be better than this sword. This sword might be better for fencing, but for chopping rigging, or taking on an opponent armed with a musket and bayonet, hand ax or pike, a cutlass would be better. Besides that, a cutlass would be government, not personal property, and I suspect that after Trafalgar, some swords would be rather worse for wear. Better to destroy the crowns sword, and save your own for the victory parade.
Would naval officers wear their swords off-duty on board ship? Lets say a lieutenant comes down from a watch, changes into dry clothes, and then goes to the officers mess, would he be expected to bring his sword with him or could he leave it in his cabin?
Beautiful. The sword looks great too.
He is certainly rocking that pea-coat
I realize I'm kinda off topic but do anyone know of a good place to watch new tv shows online?
@Lucas Sage i watch on Flixzone. You can find it by googling :)
This coat has epaulets on its epaulets.
Huge fan. Love you Matt.
Thanks!
Love those shorter blades. My latest one, a 1845 french nco has been service sharpened, and makes that lovely swooshing sound like a toothless whistle.
Flared Yelman sounds like it should be a figure skating routine. " What a fantastic landing on that Flared Yelman! Surely they'll get a 10 for that!"
That’s one of the few antique sabres on my “must have” list.
Although I wouldn’t mind having them all.
Matt, this was very informative and I love your passion.
Looking forward to see you reviewing the 1896 cavalry officer's sword :)
Matt you never made a video about the 1864 patterns of cavalry swords.... i always wondered why they had the malta cross for example..
I agree, beautiful looking sword 👍
The depth and scope of knowledge on edged weapons being packed around inside M.E's head is astounding. Always an interesting talk on the example been shown. Kudos.
I've read that another reason for discontinuing the pipe-backed blade was that fact that the pipe-back prevented a blade slicing entirely through its target. I'm no expert on the subject, so I cannot comment on the veracity of this explanation. Some early 1827 swords had open half-basket guards, not filled in - like Army swords
In the early 20th century there were also swords specifically made for warrant officers that had a black fish-skin grip and no lion on the pommel. In all other respects they were the same as the sword for commissioned officers.
Outstanding!!
Your videos are very good, and very accurate. Thank you. Your collection must be magnificent.
I find it interesting that the British military (the RN?) maintains a fixed regulation length for their swords. In the US Marine Corps, don't know about the other branches, there is no fixed length, our swords vary in blade length depending on the height of the Marine. All the regulations say is that the tip of the blade should be in line with the (top of the?) ear. This is so that when in formation all of the swords appear to be the same length no matter how tall or short the Marine carrying the sword is.
RB: US naval officers swords are the same way. I recall the reference being the corner of the eye or the eyebrow. My sword is 28 inches, I"m 5'6 1/2"". retd' 2005.
Always good to see Royal Navy equipment, hope you do more on the RN. The Royal Navy, of course, saw a lot of action ashore, as well as afloat, in naval brigades as you mention.
And still does today. I am an RNR Amphibious Warfare officer and deployed to Afghanistan with the Royal Marines as their Air Operations Officer... 🙂
@@andrewt4456 Good on you sir. My son is in the RN. But, did you take your sword? ;)
@@99IronDuke as a former World Cup sabreur I would have been a bit more useful with that than I was with an assault rifle, I suspect!!! But no. I didn't...
Handsome sword, thanks for sharing!
That's a beautiful bit of kit, would love to own one
The non-regulation bladed RN sword can be seen on your wall in a vid of 2015 "Medieval European cross-hilted swords - religious or not?" : the bottom one.
So interesting. Thank you.
Nice sword! Interesting & informative, as always. Thanks!
Hi Matt, my G-G-(not sure how many) grand father was a fleet surgeon in the Crimean War. I have a painting of him with Crimean War medals, and holding his 1827 sword. I also have the original medals and sword. A nice set, albeit the blade is covered with surface rust…. Love your channel! Cheers
Hi Matt, I’d love to see a video of the top ten weapons in your collection and why they made the cut (pun intended).
Amazing how you remember all the tiny details.
Ah ! A vid on a Royal Navy sword. Splendid !
"When 200 years old your Leather is, look as good you will not!"
- Yoda, commenting on an 1827 Royal Navy Scabbard
Would love to own one of those navy pipe back swords. Awesome video.
The dark sharkskin grip is for Warrant Officers, whereas Commissioned Officers had white sharkskin grips.
I love that you know .
That’s too bad. I think the lion biting the bottom of the hilt is a neat touch
That is a beautiful sword.
I'm just getting into sabre fencing myself. Lots of fun, but the flowing circular movements are still pretty awkward for me.
Love those sneaky sabre thrusts though.
Cool!
Can you discuss how sword fighting changes in close quarters? Say people found themselves in a closed in hallway, how would dueling change?
MATT, A FEW CORRECTIONS - Mine (a Wilkinson) has white leather for the grip. The hinged clip is very important for drill, because, unless carrying colours, a sheathed naval sword is never slung, and always carried. When you move from standing to attention to start marching, the sword is smartly thrown by the hilt, and caught by the same hand by the upper brass fitting of the scabbard with the blade edge up and pointing forward. Also, never leave an RN sword in its scabbard standing on its drag as it will cause ripples in the leather which cannot be removed. I used mine as my service blade for parades in the late 80s to early 90s. It wasn’t a horrid pipe-back either, nor the current 1892 pattern either, but the 1846. The pattern today may still be the 1846, but it isn’t what you’d be offered from the armoury today. Most now are a very light version of the 1892 pattern, as per infantry blades. They are not nice, usually of pretty low quality. Something else you missed. The brass hilt is, or was when new, gold plated, as were the brass fittings of the scabbard.
Hello Slick - yes that change was made in 1929, when the blade was made straight and narrow. It's speculated that the Navy essentially went from a fighting sword to a court sword. I have several swords, but my No. 1 go-to is my GV which has a distinct sabre blade and is heavy and substantial. It's a really lovely sword, but sadly with no maker's name engraved on the shoulder. My pipe-backed 1827 sword is great for cutlass drill, but I have to be wairy in parades so I don't disgrace myself by the scabbard falling off.
Can you do a video talking about weapons and armor of navies before gunpowder?
I will choose my swords in Assassins Creed 4 much more carefully now... much thanx
I've recently come across your channel--wonderful content, from analysis, movie reviews, etc. There's a era that seems like it'd be deep in your bailiwick, though I haven't see it discussed much of anywhere, really. What were the typical swords used in the wars of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough? I know dueling and civilian swords at this time were largely small swords. I've seen your reviews of the 1796 sabers. Was Churchill's army using the kinds of broad swords like mortuary swords or military swords that would have been typical of the Cromwellian period? Or had an evolution taken place by then? Thanks and keep up the great content
Matt, how prevalent were 'fighting swords' being carried/used in battle vs a regulation sword? I've read accounts from the Napoleonic up to the Indian Mutiny of officers using such, but don't know if it was common or exceptional.
that spadroon shows on 3:00 is awesome, any related video?
Looks like a decent cutter , for a pipeback that is.
Based on the hilt, I'd guess your sword pre-dates 1830.
I did some research after acquiring a Royal Navy sword and it seems that:
* The first swords had a standard sword knot hole like yours.
* By the mid to late 1830's double sword knot holes in the guard predominated.
* There was an intermediate pattern with a single sword knot ring inside the guard on the ferrule at the front of the grip.
So far as I know the dates for the hilt changes are unknown and the types probably overlapped somewhat. I read several sources, but the only one I recorded was a (magazine?) article titled "British Naval Edged Weapons - An Overview" by Peter Tuite.
The problem comes that different makers updated at different times. I have had a sword that must have dated to the 1840s with the ring on the front of the ferrule and equally I have known later examples (roughly 1850) without the two holes. I find that with 19th century swords we can generalise, but never be 100% absolute. The semi-fullered semi-pipe-back blades are an example. They are not supposed to exist according to the regulations.
I have handled that sword is a very lovely blade indeed. I'd really like to have one like that one day.
Also, Bersaglieri of the Italian Army used, and still use, the lion's head style pommel.
You mention that the sword was commonly worn "upside down". If that is the case, how does having the folding section make the sword more comfortable to wear, as the folding section is now "outboard". Also, were these swords generally worn "hilt aft" in the manner of modern USN and US Army officers' swords?
Was that a picture of Sir Barry Gibb? The Bee Gees were Awesome!!!
Would the ever changing style of guard or blade come from the milatery or the manufacturer like Wilkinson sword?
Great video and piece. I’ve got one by E Thurkle with a narrow fullered blade. I’m guessing it’s a 1846 Pattern. It also has HMCN around the fouled anchor and also etched on the blade, does that stand for Her Majesty’s Colonial Navy?
I love it. Where could I get one?
I would love to see some strength testing on that folding guard.. Perhaps get a replica that has a folding guard and compare it to one that has a solid guard and see how much weaker it really is?
If a junior officer with a dark grip on their sword got promoted and needed a light grip, did he have to buy a whole new sword, or could he just have the grip replaced?
This reminds me: What's the sword in the painting at the start of Sharpe? Looks like a British 1803 infantry officer's sword, lion's head (joined at the chin by the looks of it), but the hilt looks chunkier and more elaborate
what did admiral Nelson used?
I remember that dutch marine and sailors said the english navylion was seasick, not biting the hilt, but barfing. The royal navy did not like the laughter and decided the little alteration. Since then the english navy lion is wearing a napkin, so the dutch navy and sailors are still laughing and can't wait what little alteration will be made this time.
Just with the amount of variation seen in 19th century Cav and Infantry officer swords, do you ever see the naval officer hilts on something more like a cutlass blade?
Though Prince Charles was carrying a RN sword, he was in RAF uniform. Very odd!
I suspect it is an RAF sword. Similar to the RN model but with am eagle rather than lion.
No, it’s an RN sword. It has a curly quillion and the knot is a cord rather than a ribbon, with a acorn rather than the more pointy one of the RAF.Thinking further, the RAF hilt is much more similar to the 1897 infantry shape (in gold plate obviously) abc the blade is a version of the straight 1892. This is clearly the 1927 pattern naval hilt. The blade is more enigmatic. It’s too broad I the point to be an 1892 and seems to have a ricasso. But it appears to be too straight to be an 1827or 1846. In the end, I suspect it is an 1846. Whatever, it’s certainly RN not RAF.
Yes, it is odd. I wan't really looking at his uniform, but that is definitely his RN sword. Perhaps not that unusual in a Royal context, as they often create their own uniform combinations that mash-up elements of different services (see the last Royal Wedding for examples).
@@scholagladiatoria maybe he borrowed it from his aide-de-camp
Who’s going to tell him he’s wrong?
Love the video, as I'm especially interested in early P1827's with a pipeback.
I've inherited my great-great-great uncle's sword, who was the Commodore of the Indian Navy. Have a photo of a painting of him (now at Greenwich) in full get-up with it on his hip.
It has the crest of the East India Company instead of the fouled anchor, has a 32 1/4" long blade, and is only 0.8" (2.1cm) wide with just the suggestion of a yelman. No maker's marks on the heavily patinated blade, nor signs of etching, and has just the single hole in the guard for a sword knot - although I think it did have a hook near to the folding part of the guard which I understand some really early examples had.
John Croft Hawkins was born in 1798 and died in 1851, serving most of his time in India, and I'm guessing this was his sword from the 1840s or so, maybe early.
I'd love to know the correct type of sword knot and how it was tied, as I think the one I got is wrong (sword has neither sword knot or scabbard).
I have one of these swords in my collection; however the fouled anchor on the guard has been replaced by, i am told, the emblem of P&O. Since my great great, great grandfather was a P&O Master in the 1850's and this was apparently his sword it follows that merchant vessels trading, as he was, in the Far East clearly armed themselves following RN tradition.
Great stuff as always! A bit of a question for you: What sort of sword would a British light cavalry trooper have used in the 1870s? I saw a film adaptation of Hardy’s “Far From the Madding Crowd” the other day, which includes a scene where Sergeant Troy shows off his swordsmanship skills wielding what appears to be a 1796 pattern. I assume they selected this sabre because it looks cool, but would it have been at all plausible for this sword (or a similar one) to appear as late as this?
Hi - No :-) He should have had an 1853 or 1864 pattern. The 1796 went out of use in Britain by about 1830 (old ones being kept in service after the introduction of the 1821, until they wore out). The 1796 was brought back into production for Indian cavalry in the 1850s, but not for British cavalry.
Thanks! I’m surprised it lasted as long as that, at least for the Indian army. Was it to do with the curviness being more in line with what native Indian troops were used to?
Yes, Indian troops liked the 1796 more than any other British-made sword. Old stocks of them (un-issued) existed in India and during the Mutiny Hodson found such a store and dished them out to his men. Robert Mole of Birmingham revived the manufacture of them until a compromise design was introduced for Indian cavalry in around 1870, with a 1796-like blade and a 3-bar (1821) hilt.
i have two royal naval swords and have no clue what year they were made or any info at all i fairly bad shape
I have a question, sorry if you've done a video on this already.
But when using straight military swords(like late 17th century and 18th-century cavalry swords) Would you be using "saber" techniques? Do these type of swords go under Saber in HEMA?
Wish you would do a slow close up of the blade in stead of waving it around the whole time. Makes it much harder to see the details
What does it mean when the anchor has a lion over it rather that a crown??
Off-topic question, where did you get that coat? It looks completely functional and it's also damn good looking? I've seen you wear it before and I might have asked then, but if not, I'm asking now :)
Superdry :-)
Yo matt. Interesting videos. Im not even into hema and all them things. Your just interesting and present with humour and wit. Dont suppose you will reply but how comes their are so many types of sword in modern times. I understand the forging but the designs change so frequently. I suppose its to inspire folk to keep upgrading? And spend money.
How does the sword sound when you ring it? It would be interesting to hear the difference between the fullered blades and the pipe backs!
Also I don't know if you mentioned it in the video but is the false edge sharpend on those swords?
It is very high pitched - it sounds thin. Yes the false edge is sharpened.
How are Superdry not sponsoring you? Just look at all the comments saying you look great in that jacket, or asking where you go it from. This happens every single video you're wearing their brand, and even some you're not, too.
Huge fan.
Could you do movie fight review on "Revenger" (2018; Netflix) sword fight. It's about 80 minutes in, starring a stuntman Bruce Khan. I think you would like it because it doesn't make the same popular mistakes you point out in other movie fights. The fight has 2 parts. Part One looks like a talented swordsman fighting a bunch of untrained thugs with machetes. The protagonist one-shots a bunch of villains. Part two is 2 vs 1 boss fight. To my untrained eye, the choreography looks really really good.
Would love to see your critique on this !
I tried to find it in one of your videos and failed, but I remember seeing a scabbard for a 19th century sword that had a "frog button" where pushing the button released the sword to be drawn. What type of sword and scabbard was that? I think the idea could be very useful in the 21st century, as I don''t want my sword falling out for the same reasons as the Royal Navy.
I remember that too, and wish I could help you with identifying it, even this late
Currently, Warrant Officers and Masters at Arms wear swords with black hand grips and a plain step pommel. The only lion headed pommel swords I have seen have been with the white grip for all commissioned ranks. Historically, there was a distinct class of officers, who, although saluted, were not commissioned and were appointed by warrant (Master ,Gunner, Bosun etc). Could this sword have been carried by this old style of Warrant Officer?
I’m looking into getting into HEMA but the only club within a reasonable distance is ARMA and I’ve heard some unscrupulous things about ARMA. Should I join just to get the basics down or should I try to find something else?
How I got this sword in india ??
I noticed on some recent sword websites like Regal Swords of England, that they offer a brass version or a gold plated version. Which one is more authentic? Or which one is the actuall one used by the Royal navy? Cheers
Did you point out that brass and leather were preferred because they're less susciptible to corrosion?
I am not certain that was the reason. Brass scabbards would technically be better than leather for that, as navy swords often get damp inside leather scabbards unfortunately.
Could that be because the leather hasn't been oiled as regularly as intended? @@scholagladiatoria
How much price
this sword seems more ceremonial than practical
Is the yelman sharpened?
Yes
His accent made me think he kept saying patent instead of pattern
Do you have a tomahawk?
Would that also be used by the Royal Marines?
Nope. Marines have their own version of an infantry sword. See for exsmple: pooleysword.com/en/Royal_Marines%27_Sword
As mentioned, in this period the Royal Marines used infantry models. Though in the Georgian and Victorian periods they did sometimes adopt some naval features according to personal taste (eg. having an fouled anchor on the blade or guard).
Why is the cutlass superior to this sword ?
Probably because they have a more protective hilt and cut better than pipe back blades
I need that coat, Matt. Please tell me, what is it called?
Also.... great video, as usual.
*Edit - I know it's from Superdry but cannot find it on the site. Anyone else who knows the name of the coat please chime in.
Its a Peacoat. Its a garment that has a naval heritage, so its actually rather fitting for this video's subject matter.
😁👍👍👍
A woolly jumper under a wool pea coat, do you think Matt is cold?
Hot damn that's time nice patina
Tolwar vs khatana test video cut
I'd thought that RN Sea Officers bought their swords?
Challenge accepted on my leather lasting as well in 200years 😂
Is there a room in your house without any swords? 😂
Also, is there a diffrence between sword combat in dueling and an actual battle between armies?
32 inches = 81 cm if you're too lazy to google :)
Love your videos, Matt.
32 inches is about 81 cm
Mine is typical white and also has the guard in the Lion's mouth! imgur.com/a/cJ2csBh
Howdy Boss,I was just wondering if You would be willing to take a stab at identifying a Sword for Me,I am going to ask Skallagrim as well,I am certain that between the two of You,I will gain some Information about it because You Guys know Your Stuff.
love you, but no pipebacks in my house!
Officers preferring cutlass's over their swords? That's interesting. Is it because of the cupped hilt?
I think if I was leading a boarding party, or trying to repel one a cutlass with a shorter blade good for chopping and a big steel hilt would be better than this sword. This sword might be better for fencing, but for chopping rigging, or taking on an opponent armed with a musket and bayonet, hand ax or pike, a cutlass would be better.
Besides that, a cutlass would be government, not personal property, and I suspect that after Trafalgar, some swords would be rather worse for wear. Better to destroy the crowns sword, and save your own for the victory parade.
King Charles now 😮
When 200 years old your leather look as good you will not
When 200 years old you reach look as good you will not.
Know that you not, Yoda
Ummm. The picture you have of Prince Charles dubbing someone shows Charles in RAF not RN uniform. It ain't a Navy sword! 🌞 🌞 🌞
Well noticed on the uniform, though having checked, that is definitely his RN sword - the RAF sword has a much larger hilt and a 1892 pattern blade.
Most interesting.
Would naval officers wear their swords off-duty on board ship? Lets say a lieutenant comes down from a watch, changes into dry clothes, and then goes to the officers mess, would he be expected to bring his sword with him or could he leave it in his cabin?
I don't know. I think that they would be allowed to remove the sword when not on duty.