Pattern 1796, Light Cavalry Trooper’s sword, 1812 (c)

Made by Osborn and Gunby of Birmingham and London

Blade is an unusual shape for this pattern, wide shallow fuller with washer and broad flat foible; steel stirrup guard with large oval langets, the backpiece has large ear riveted through the grip, which is ribbed wood and shows the remains of a leather covering, but no binding; made under contract to the Board of Ordnance; the heaviness and simplicity of design shows this to be a typical troopers sword; it follows the principle of uniformity between Officer’s and Trooper’s sword, officer’s swords being better quality and elaborately decorated; Pattern 1796 swords, with their stirrup guard, proved an encumbrance when dismounting.