Page 168 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

166 18TH-CENTURY SWORDS

ONET 1680–1815 Through the 1700s, the sword was becoming less important as ▲ CHINESE JIAN Ivory grip Lobed quillon

an infantry weapon, although it was still valued by the heavy and
light cavalry, and also often fulfilled a ceremonial role. In China,
block
it accounted for two out of the four main weapons—the staff, the
Date 1735–1796
spear, the singled-edged dao sword, and the double-edged jian
Origin China
sword. Tibetans, too, had a tradition of sword manufacture, with
3
1
Length 3 ⁄2ft (1.07m)
Ottoman Empire, established by Turks who migrated from central
Chinese swordsmen chose the straight,
Asia to Anatolia, favored a curved blade derived from the Turko-
Y designs that were similar to Chinese models. Swordsmiths of the Weight 2 ⁄4lb (1.25kg)
double-edged jian sword to show off their
AND BA Emperor Qianlong (ruled 1735–96), Ornate scrollwork
Mongolian saber of the 13th century.
skills. This sword dates from the reign of
of the Manchu Qing dynasty.
on guard
FLINTLOCK ▲ DRAGOON SWORD In the mid-18th century, British heavy cavalry

regiments were redesignated as either Dragoon
Date c.1750
Guards or Heavy Dragoons, and the light cavalry
Origin UK
as Light Dragoons. Long, single-edged swords were
1
Weight 2 ⁄2lb (1.15kg)
used by both divisions of heavy cavalry through the
18th century and into the Napoleonic era.
3
Length 3 ⁄4ft (1.13m)
Basket hilt to
protect knuckles
Gilt-brass
basket hilt

Single cutting edge

Crown above “GR” monogram

▲ CAVALRY This English cavalry officers’
OFFICERS’ SWORD sword has a highly ornate,
Date 1730 decorated, gilt-brass basket hilt.
The blade is inscribed with the
Origin UK royal monogram “GR”—King
1
Weight 3 ⁄2lb (1.6kg) George II—beneath a crown.
Ornate
3
pommel Length 33 ⁄4in (86cm)

▼ SHAMSHIR The Persian shamshir sword,
Date 18th century with its curved, single-edged
blade, is better known to
Origin Persia
Europeans as the “scimitar.” It
Weight 31oz (890g) was an excellent slashing weapon,
Length 36 ⁄2in (93cm) but less effective for thrusting.
1

Back guard with
three horizontal bars