British 1796 Heavy Cavalry Saber

Used by British Lifeguards, Royal Horse Guards, Dragoon Guards and Dragoons through the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

It was directly copied from the Austrian Pallasch 1769 heavy cavalry sword. British cavalry officer John Le Marchant attentively made drawings of the weapons carried by the Austrian cavalry during the Low Countries Campaign in 1793-95, and likely was involved in the recommendation of this pattern to his superiors. Notable for its use at Salamanca and Waterloo.

Technically the 1796 heavy cavalry sword is a backsword, defined as a sword with a straight blade with one cutting edge and a spine (the "back") thickened for most of its length to give added strength. In fact, this is not a delicately maneuverable sword by any stretch of the imagination, and gained favor as a bludgeoning weapon. Troops also used the guard as a knuckle duster.

The blade is forged with a single broad fuller on each side. The grip is of ribbed leather. The basket guard has ears which are riveted through the tang of the blade to give the hilt and blade a very secure connection.

The hilt combines a disc guard pierced with 2 semicircular and 6 oval holes, with a single knucklebow and two slim 2-inch-long (51 mm) langets (projections from the guard, which grip the throat of the scabbard) extending from the front of the guard.

Arrives sharpened and includes steel scabbard.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Overall 39-1/2”
Blade Length: 35”
Distal taper: 9/32” thick at hilt, 1/16” thick 1” from tip
Wt: 2 lbs 6 oz
Material: 1065 High Carbon Steel