I'm coming in here late, but here is most of my 18th century collection, please excuse the poor lighting:



A few close-ups:

Very nice, Carl!

Hi All,
I'd like to hear any info you have on this briquet that has just come into my possession. It was apparently used by my great-great etc Grandfather in the siege of Toulon, and the relief of Malta during the Naploeonic Wars. He was in the First Regiment of Foot, a precursor to the Durham Light Infantry. I understand that the saber shown was a French weapon, but as an ex British soldier, I'm no stranger to "borrowing" weaponry when my own supply chain fails! The only inscription legible is "Toledo", which would seem to indicate that it was made in Spain.
Any information that you could pass on to a relative novice in the way of swords would be greatly appreciated, Cheers!

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Carl,

Nice collection!

How does that tulwar feel in the hand--how does it handle? I believe there is a distinctive Indian manner in gripping it--but just wondering if it feels small to you. I know they are capable of devistating cuts.

Hi Tom,

Thanks! I have large hands and the tulwar is a bit too small for them. I always used a standard natural grip. Most tulwars I have held have been a tight fit in my hand, and all of the 18th century varieties have been very light and well balanced. It is a nice piece though, ultra light, and the blade is made of wootz with gold inlay.

Very nice pieces Carl.

Nice to see that new Spanish Bilbo among your other swords Carl. Can you tell me about the sabre that is 4th from the right?

My experience has been the same handling tulwars--but there are accounts that they were very effective in Indian hands. And I recall a portrait of an English officer c. 1800 with a tulwar strapped to his belt--maybe a trophy or maybe in homage to duty over sea or both.

The biblo always struck me as being a rather strange choice of sword by the Spanish-it looks so awkward--but how does it handle?

Those broad/back swords are very nice--any information to share on those would be welcome.

Here is an awesome sword that Thom R. gave me permission to post. Here is his info on it:

"I don't think I have shown this one before. Its a 26 inch long, single edged, hollowground sword with a brass baroque styled hilt. Probably mid 18th c. There is a slight false edge near the tip and the sword has a rather fascinating cut & thrust type of blade which I have not seen elsewhere. Inscription on the sword reads "Hoc Langi Morti Ferrum". Also has some engraving. The spine is 1/4 inch so its quite stiff but because of the hollowground cross section, blade is rather light (and sharp along the one edge). Bigger than a dagger yet shorter than most smallswords of the period. Seems like a personal defense weapon, something a coachman might have used or for someone who wanted a more easily concealed sword on their person when out in public. Morgan is right - so many unique styles of swords in the mid 18th century!
Blade is 26 inches. sword is about 34. Morti ferrum translates (at least to me) as "deadly steel", exactly what "langi" would translate to in latin is somewhat debateable i suppose. The blade seems purposefully built, given that it is from the era when the smallsword and other types of hangars were so prevalent. yet the hilt offers very little protection for the hand - certainly much less than a smallsword and less than many of the swords that today we would call "pillow swords". so it just seems to me that the sword was deliberately built for someone who knew how to use a blade but wanted an easily carried and concealable sword."

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A few of mine

Infantry swords 1770 to 1803 (Right to left)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5592776145_c56e3488fe_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5593366672_bef4d27905_b.jpg

A few spadroons circa 1770-1790
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/349926480...z.jpg?zz=1

1798 pattern basket hilt with earlier blade
http://www.swordforum.com/forums/attachment.p...1261396838

Thanks David,

I really love the infantry sword with the spiral pommel and the branches. Beautiful! It must have great balance and speed. Very 18th century. Also, thats a very classic Flank Officer's sabre you have as well.

That short saber on the far right--that's the kind of saber I like! Very nice!

I'm also fond of that spadroon with the cross-guard, fold away shell and urn pommel. Beautiful!

Lest we forget, that great pierced steel smallsword with the forward and rear quillons!

Yep! (This appears to be somewhat unique--butterfly shells are usually paired with a single quillon.)

Let's not forget that silver-hilt SS. :)

I bet that short saber was sharp i its day--one could probably shave with it.

David,

If possible, would you post a hilt shot of that cruciform spadroon--with the shell up and down, if possible. I am assuming that the blade is more or less like a regulation spadroon blade of the period. But the hilt fascinates me.

A cutlass project from the past - I use it frequently for demonstrations. The blade is antique.

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