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Caption: British swords: 1796 pattern infantry officer's sword (hilt to left); 18th-century infantryman's sword (hilt in centre); 1822 pattern officer's sword (hilt to right)

This photograph shows three different British infantry swords. In the 17th and 18th centuries, soldiers normally had a sword as well as a pike or musket. Gradually, the swords became more for show than use, and were abandoned. Grenadiers were still officially carrying swords during the American Revolution, although they were rarely seen in the field. The short sword here is of this type. By the end of the 18th century, only officers in the infantry still had swords. The 1796 pattern officer's sword was the most common type carried during the War of 1812. Notice the bluing and gold engraving on the blade. This decoration depended on the taste and wallet of each officer. The 1822 pattern lasted a very long time. The hilt is what is sometimes known as the 'gothic' pattern, after the architectural style then in fashion. Canadian militia officers carried this type of sword until swords were no longer taken into the field. (Parks Canada)