Pattern 1796 light cavalry sabre

This sabre is in used but good condition as is the scabbard, The 1796 sabre had a pronounced curve, making the kind of slashing attacks used in cavalry actions decidedly easier. Even cavalrymen trained to use the thrust, as the French were, in the confusion of a melee often reverted to instinctive hacking, which the 1796 accommodated. Its blade, unlike other European sabres of the period, widened near the point. This affected balance, but made slashes far more brutal; its action in the cut has been compared to a modern bacon slicer. It is said that this design feature prompted unofficial complaints from French officers, but this is unconfirmed. The blade of the light cavalry sabre was 32.5 to 33 inches (83 to 84 cm) long and had a single broad fuller on each side. The sabre was lighter and easier to use than its heavy cavalry counterpart, the pattern 1796 Heavy Cavalry Sword, offering free UK delivery, reference DBSD2