Swords

**Baz44** · 25-09-2007, 11:27

Just to add fresh comment on this issue popped along to see the guys at Crisp and Sons (the refurbishing arm of Sussex Swords). Their little pad is an amazing place with guys who really know their stuff! It really seems a labour of love for them (with some ex Wilkinson Sword staff on site). They are currently doing another refurb job for me and I have to say they are fully recomended.

I would be happy to source swords from these guys again and their refurb work is back to orginial as issued standard.

Cheers

**0303Hamilton** · 23-10-2007, 16:49

Just a quick question, I've come across a style of sword called a Levee sword, it's an infantry officer's sword post 1830 but I wanted to ask as to whether this style is acceptable?

**Baz44** · 05-11-2007, 12:59

Hi H

It depends on your unit. If in doubt ask your RHQ they would be able to tell you. Being the Army there are various options and it would be costly to get it wrong. If you are Infantry of the line then generally (though not always) the pattern carried in 1897 Infantry Officers Sword with royal cypher on the hand guard. Anything else is usually because its a family inheritance and so long as the Adj/RSM clears it for carriage on any said parades.

Hope this helps

Cheers

**0303Hamilton** · 09-11-2007, 02:53

Thanks for that, it's RAMC so maybe different but I'll check it out beforehand.

**Taz_786** · 13-11-2007, 20:37

When are the Army and RAF going to do the sensible thing and fix their swords through the greatcoat like the RN/RM?

Was watching the Cenotaph ceremony again and its not very dignified having the end of your coat flapping in the wind is it?

Especially if you're a female Crab equerry wearing a skirt underneath!

**ViolentBadger** · 13-11-2007, 20:41

Originally Posted by Taz_786

When are the Army and RAF going to do the sensible thing and fix their swords through the greatcoat like the RN/RM?

Was watching the Cenotaph ceremony again and its not very dignified having the end of your coat flapping in the wind is it?

Especially if you're a female Crab equerry wearing a skirt underneath!

Taz, why don't you tell us all exactly what you called the Black Jewish lad that lead you to being chucked out of the URNU for being a racist bigot ?

**barbs** · 13-11-2007, 20:48

Originally Posted by Taz_786

When are the Army and RAF going to do the sensible thing and fix their swords through the greatcoat like the RN/RM?

Was watching the Cenotaph ceremony again and its not very dignified having the end of your coat flapping in the wind is it?

Especially if you're a female Crab equerry wearing a skirt underneath!

You can only wear your belt through your greatcoat if your sword can be 'hooked up' -e.g., line infantry. All officers who were traditionally mounted wear their swords at the trail -e.g., line infantry field officers, cavalry and gunners. Some infantry can't hook them up -e.g., Gurkhas and Rifles because they do not wear a waistbelt. Funnily enough it is easier to walk/march with your sword carried rather than hooked up so looking good when you are standing still is rather a waste really. To be honest how else are you going to show off that rather smart scarlet lining if you don't have the tails folded over your sword?

**EX_STAB** · 14-12-2007, 17:10

What's going to happen when the sword ban comes in? It's a ban on "single edged partially curved swords" from what I can gather so far. It's supposed to ban the sale of cheap copies of samurai swords but it doesn't seem to be very well defined. Looks like it will ban practically everything.

**Robbo1985** · 25-01-2008, 09:52

I see from their piece on Wikipedia that Pooley Sword have the MoD Contract for Swords.
Is this what the MoD have come to, buying Indian made Swords!!
Surely they should be purchasing from Sussex Swords, the only company producing swords in the UK, even if they are more expensive.
I visited their factory in East Sussex recently and was very impressed.

**Harry Paget Flashman** · 28-01-2008, 22:51

Quick question.

As an impoverished ACF Officer who can't afford to have one made. Does anyone know where I might obtain a leather covered Royal Artillery Pattern Scabbard at a good price?

I have a Victorian Volunteer Artillery sword, but it only has a (rather scruffy) plated scabbard and I don't have Blues (or the reason to wear them to be honest).

Can anyone help?

**barbs** · 29-01-2008, 09:33

Originally Posted by EX_STAB

What's going to happen when the sword ban comes in? It's a ban on "single edged partially curved swords" from what I can gather so far. It's supposed to ban the sale of cheap copies of samurai swords but it doesn't seem to be very well defined. Looks like it will ban practically everything.

In a place I used to work at they tried to ban all edged weapons from being in people's offices claiming that they should be in the armouries and that the owners would be held responsible for any crime committed with those weapons. I then pointed out that the walls of the building I was working in was lined with spears, swords, lances, maces, morning stars and javelins and that my little sword hidden in the cupboard of my office was hardly going to be the weapon of choice if a brawl broke out in the corridors.

Luckily enough commonsense broke out and the curator put corks on the pointy ends of the weapons in the collection.

**Idrach** · 29-01-2008, 09:34

Fleabay has scabbards on it from time to time. IIRC, the current pattern Artillery sword takes the same scabbard as a standard Infantry / Corps sword, although if yours is sufficiently old it may not quite fit.

The other thing to do is to ask CVHQ / RHQ. My sword from my regular service isn't quite right for my TA Corps - RHQ had a stock they had bought in and, although the quality isn't Wilkinson, it only comes out for Remembrance Day.

**Idrach** · 29-01-2008, 09:40

Originally Posted by EX_STAB

What's going to happen when the sword ban comes in? It's a ban on "single edged partially curved swords" from what I can gather so far. It's supposed to ban the sale of cheap copies of samurai swords but it doesn't seem to be very well defined. Looks like it will ban practically everything.

Well, there is pretty much a total ban on carrying any edged item in public, up here in Jockland. Doesn't stop me wandering around (yes, I am cr@p at drill) waving one in November, with polis all around.

You will need a legitimate excuse to purchase - I suspect that being a mil-pattern item and delivery to a MOD location will suffice or, if you are at your tailors, a flash of your ID card. As you said, badly drafted law - but this surprised you?

**Airfix** · 29-01-2008, 09:42

Originally Posted by Harry Paget Flashman

I don't have Blues (or the reason to wear them to be honest).

Yet you can find reasons to be sworded up in service dress as an ACF officer...

**EX_STAB** · 29-01-2008, 09:52

Originally Posted by Idrach

Originally Posted by EX_STAB

What's going to happen when the sword ban comes in? It's a ban on "single edged partially curved swords" from what I can gather so far. It's supposed to ban the sale of cheap copies of samurai swords but it doesn't seem to be very well defined. Looks like it will ban practically everything.

Well, there is pretty much a total ban on carrying any edged item in public, up here in Jockland. Doesn't stop me wandering around (yes, I am cr@p at drill) waving one in November, with polis all around.

You will need a legitimate excuse to purchase - I suspect that being a mil-pattern item and delivery to a MOD location will suffice or, if you are at your tailors, a flash of your ID card. As you said, badly drafted law - but this surprised you?

Coming from the liars and frauds in government it doesn't surprise me. I think in practice that it will make it practically impossible for any commercial enterprise to continue dealing in swords.

http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content...&filesize=9759