British 1796 Light Cavalry Saber

Designed by Major-General John Gaspard Le Marchant, the 1796 pattern light cavalry saber was based on Central and Eastern European hussar swords. As a young captain, he observed the clumsy design of the heavy, overly long 1788 Pattern swords. He gave the blade of this saber a pronounced curve, which made it more adept at cavalry attack methods, and designed it with a widened tip that affected the balance, but made slashes far more brutal.

It was issued primarily to British Light Dragoons and Hussars and was also used by the King's German Legion light cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. The blade profile became so popular that the Prussians and other German states emulated its design throughout the 19th century.

Total length: 94.2 cm
Blade length: 81.5 cm
Total Weight: 926 kg
Point of Balance (from crossbar): 15 cm
Blade thickness: 7.5-1.7 mm
Material: High Carbon Manganese Spring Steel
Scabbard: Yes (Stainless Steel Scabbard with wood lining)

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.