This excellent condition blade is a decent example of the 1796 Heavy Cavalry Sword, this sword has very clear markings, its leather washer has stayed in place leaving the blade in a wonderful state.
This sword was made by Thomas Bate, a Birmingham sword smith who made many examples of the 1796.
The 1796 was a design approved for heavy cavalry use and some dragoons as a chopper, it was a simple straight blade with a thick ricasso leading to a very sharp hatchet point with an extreme distal taper, blunt on one side this is technically a backsword based on the eastern European pallasch. The other 1796 sword was also heavily inspired by the slashing swords of eastern Europe.
The guard is the simple knuckle bow and disc of a troopers.
This one we have here is a standard trooper’s sword that has been untouched. It has the makers mark on the back edge, the view mark of a crown next to the numeral 4 (to show that it had been inspected and passed muster) but aside from that there are no other discernible marks of the sword or scabbard.
This sword must then have been made but never issued since its missing the regimental markings.
~ Dimensions ~
The total length is 40 inches (102 cm) long.
The blade is 35 inches (89 cm) long.
The sword and scabbard are 2 Kg.
~ Condition ~
This sword is in excellent condition, it appears to have never seen service or even have been issued to a unit so aside from the makers mark and viewing mark there is nothing marring the sword.
There is some wear to be expected from an old sword, some very minor discolouration on the blade but the leather washer has kept it very well.
There is also some minor discolouration to the guard as well as a smooth dent on the right hand side of the guard.
The scabbard is in good shape and has the same minor blackening. There are a few dings.
The grip has worn and dried but aside from some small cracks is still intact.
ref. GS6487E74 / MLBCGEX34LP2DD12F
