British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Officer’s Sword

THE OFFICER’S VERSION OF THIS PATTERN does not differ with regard to the general specifications laid out by the authorities for the trooper’s sword e.g. hilt and blade, but can be defined by the appearance of decoration to the blade, usually in the form of blue and gilt motifs, including royal crowns, coats of arms, cyphers, martial trophies and scrolling foliage.  Plain-bladed versions are also found.  Langets, ferrules, knucklebows and backstraps also display cut steel, faceted designs.

It proved quite effective as a slashing weapon but again, the stirrup guard afforded inadequate protection to the wearer’s hand. It was also quite a cumbersome piece, especially when combined with its heavy steel scabbard.

There are, inevitably, regimental variations of this sword that adhere to the original blade specifications but go their own way with regard to the hilt and scabbard.  An example of this is found in the swords carried by officers of the 10th Light Dragoons, who incorporated a badge of the Prince of Wales’ feathers in silver to the hilt langet and decorated the backstap and pommel with a design that would be used in the future 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword.

Yeomanry officers carried a form of this pattern with most hilts being of gilt brass type with ribbed or chequered ivory grips.

© Harvey Withers Military Publishing, 2024

Taken from The British Sword – From 1600 to the Present Day – An Illustrated History by Harvey J S Withers – 12,000 full colour photographs – 884 pages

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