Used in the Napoleonic wars amongst many others, the 1796 sabre had a pronounced curve, making the kind of slashing attacks used in cavalry actions decidedly easier. It was also broader towards the tip to enhance the balance and cutting proficiency, This Sabre was designed by a young captain of the 2nd Dragoon Guards, serving as a brigade major, John Gaspard Le Marchant.
The blade is remembered today as one of the best of its time and has been described as the finest cutting sword ever manufactured in quantity. Officers of the famous 95th Rifles, other light infantry regiments and the "flank" companies of line regiments adopted swords with an identical hilt to the 1796 light cavalry sabre, but with a lighter and shorter blade. The sabre was also copied by the Prussians; indeed, some Imperial German troops were equipped with almost identical swords into the First World War. The Americans also adopted a pattern which was directly influenced by the British sword.
~ Condition ~
Pitted overall but still solid and complete, the wooden ribbed grip looks to have been refixed with a copper rivet (see pics) The blade edge has various contact marks.
Please see the pictures as these form part of our condition report.
/RMBGEX
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