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Caption: British swords: trooper's 1796 pattern light cavalry sword (behind); 1803 pattern infantry officer's sabre (in front)

This photograph shows two of the types of swords used by the British army in Canada during the early 19th century. The 1796 pattern light cavalry sword was a weapon designed for slashing. It was the main weapon of British light cavalry units throughout the Napoleonic Wars, and saw service in Canada with both British Light Dragoon regiments and Canadian militia. The 1803 pattern infantry officer's sabre was one of several types in use. The so-called 'flank company' officers - grenadiers and light infantry - were allowed to carry fashionable curved-blade sabres instead of straight-bladed swords. The example shown in this photograph has a fine ivory grip, gilded hilt and a blade ornamented with 'bluing' and gold inlay. Since officers bought their own weapons, such details were largely up to the buyer and his commanding officer. (Parks Canada)