1796 British Heavy Calvary Saber | Review | Kult of Athena

A robust backsword, the model 1796 cavalry sword was regarded as too heavy for delicate, gentlemanly swordsmanship – which was precisely why the regiments of Dragoons, Life Guards and Royal Horse Guards liked it. Thick, straight-bladed and powerful, the 1796 sword could cleave through foes with abandon from horseback. Sgt. Charles Ewart of the Scots Greys 2nd Dragoons captured a French Imperial Eagle Standard during Waterloo wielding the 1796 sword. He had to defeat several soldiers fanatically defending the regimental symbol they had pledged their lives to defend. This sword is featured in Bernard Cornwells Sharpe novel series as the protagonist, Richard Sharpe of the 95th Rifles, wields this sword in the Napoleonic Wars.