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. Le Marchant opined that the "blades of the Turks, Mamelukes, Moors, and Hungarians (were) preferable to any other." 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. 

This exact replica of an original antique weighs only 1 lb, 12 oz, and the blade features an extreme distal taper, enabling it to feel exceptionally lively. A full 5/8" thick at the hilt, and tapers to a super thin 1/64", 1" from the tip. The blade is hand forged from tough 1080 high carbon steel and spring tempered and arrives fully sharpened.

The hilt replicates the originals, with a 5/8" wide knuckle guard, steel spine, and contoured, ribbed leather grip. Complete with accurately reproduced steel scabbard.  

• Overall Length: 37-1/4"
• Blade Length: 32-1/4"
• Blade Width: 1-3/4” at the ricasso 
• Blade distal taper: 5/8” thick at the hilt, 1/64” 1” from tip
• Blade material: Spring tempered 1080 high carbon steel
• Blade Edge: Sharpened
• Wt: 1 lb / 12 oz