Cavalry sword

Light Cavalry Sword Pattern 1796. It is recorded in the accession register as Recorded as ‘Cavalry sword circa 1815’ Marks suggest this is the 28th weapon of ‘D Troop’ 12th Light Dragoons. Major John Gaspard Le Marchant submitted ‘a plan for constructing and mounting in a different manner the swords of the Cavalry’ to a Board of General Officers which promulgated his recommendations in a General Order 27th June 1796. This was for a slashing sword similar to Austrian models and Indian tulwars. Hilt: Wrought iron pommel leading to plain back-piece with riveted ear and iron ferrule. Plain reverse P stirrup guard with slot for wrist strap near pommel, downswept cylindrical quillon, languet either side. Ridged black leather grip with knoppel opposite ear . Blade: Curved parallel-sided single edge which curves up to the back edge to form point, false edge for last 6 inches. Single fuller. Buff leather washer missing.