Homage to the Duke

British Army generals have often demonstrated a certain eccentricity in their uniform dress.  The Duke of Wellington famously carried a non-regulation Mameluke-hilted sword based on the patterns he had encountered  during his years in India.  When a new sword was prescribed for generals in 1831, however, its design was closely based on the Duke’s favourite style.

General Officer’s Sword

Click image to enlarge

The distinctively curved blade of the General Officer’s Sword is double-edged for the last 12 inches of its length and is finely etched.  The guard is made of gold plated brass, as are the ornamental mounts on the ivory-style Mameluke hilt.

The scabbard is nickel-plated steel with two loose rings on cruciform bands and a square shoe.