Light cavalry sabre The utility of the 1796 pattern light cavalry saber influenced the design of both the 1803 model light infantry saber, and its eventual successor, the 1821 model light cavalry saber. The curving blade is superbly designed for penetration (thrust) and as a slashing weapon. Its distinctive blade profile is considered by some to have been derived from the Indian Talwar, and it gained such popularity that it remained in use (by the German Cavalry) until the beginning of the Twentieth century! The Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre is a sword that was used primarily by British Light Dragoons and hussars, and King's German Legion light cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. In contrast to the high levels of criticism directed at the 1796 heavy cavalry sword, the sword adopted at the same time for the British light cavalry received more appreciative contemporary comment. 1802 pattern Montmorency Cavalry Saber. Brass hilt, with three bars. A search of the McRae Papers sheds some light on the Confederate purchases of edged weapons, but not all entries provide any more information than “swords”, and of course these could be other patterns than the P-1853 Cavalry Saber. The mounted swordsmanship training of the British emphasised the cut, at the face for maiming or killing, or at the arms to disable. This was common practice at the turn of the 18th Century. Sword beside Scabbard . This weapon is an enlisted men's pattern U. Our Cold Steel 1796 Light Cavalry Saber is inspired by the iconic swords used by the British and our allies at the Battle of Waterloo. Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre Used 1796 to 1822. Feb 13, 2008 · Noworky, a very nice example of the 1906 Ames Cavalry Sabre. Detail of Hilt. The center of balance was moved back more toward the hilt by slimming the overall blade and the tip from the hatchet type tip to more of a sharp point. The upper ring mount exhibits a smooth, even groove wear along the inside lip indicative that this sword belt rig was belted and worn heavily during its service. Originally associated with Central European cavalry such as the hussars, the sabre became widespread in Western Europe during the Thirty Years' War. The sword was designed by John Gaspard Le Marchant, one of the finest cavalrymen of his day who bemoaned the long and heavy swords then in use by his expeditionary force during their experience in France during its Revolutionary War. In two and a half decades of service, this piece was an icon of the British cavalry and of British success in the Napoleonic Wars. The Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry saber remained in use with the British cavalry for only a few years after the battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815), and was officially replaced with the Pattern 1821 Light Cavalry saber, although the effectiveness and the popularity of the P-1796 with the troopers resulted in the saber remaining in service for If you want a combat quality saber that will pass the British Proof Test and is fully capable of shearing off arms and even legs with a single blow, this is a must have! It comes fully sharpened with a wood and leather scabbard with steel mounts. The leather handle is wire wrapped. A widespread design, it was to the French cavalry what the 1796 saber was to the British cavalry. Images: 1. The 1860 US Light Cavalry Saber from LK Chen was reproduced from LK Chen after careful analysis of an 1864 original to not only create a fine looking saber, but also a reproduction saber with a sharp cutting blade that has the proper weight, balance and handling characteristics of a 19th century military saber. It is in remarkable condition, no doubt owing to the fact that it was recovered within a decade or two of being lost. During the American Civil War, there were two types of saber issued to the Cavalry: one light and one heavy. Sep 24, 2016 · The light cavalry got lucky; they were issued the 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre – a weapon so effective that some French regiments complained that it was unfair! The heavy cavalry were less well off; they received a long, straight sword designed for powerful chopping strokes. Lighter The 1788 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre (1788 LC) may have been created as a copy of European models, and is an example of an early “slashing” British weapon. There is evidence of silver wire present within the grooved timber grip. Victorian British Light Cavalry Officer's Mameluke : £ 1200 ; 1821P British Mounted Officer's Campaign Sword : £ 700 ; 1821P British Light Cavalry Officer's Pipe Back Sword : £ 650 ; 1821P Victorian British Senior Light Cavalry Officer's Sword : £ 500 ; British 1821P Light Cavalry Trooper's Sabre : £ 750 ; British 1821 pattern Heavy Many of the great cavalry expeditions and campaigns took place in 1865 and Ames delivered 6,000 M1860 sabers in January 1865, another 6,800 in February, and 3,000 in March, all before Lee’s surrender and the end of fighting in other theatres. The Pattern 1796 light cavalry sabre is a sword that was used primarily by British light dragoons and hussars, and King's German Legion light cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. The Model 1860 then remained in use through the Civil War and Indian Wars and finally was superseded by the Model 1872 Light Cavalry Saber. The British 1796 Light Cavalry Saber has an unsharpened, high carbon EN45 spring steel blade. May 14, 2019 · Although they were standard issue in the antebellum Army from 1840 until the appearance of the lighter 1860 model, Model 1840 sabers, whether made in the U. However Designed by Major-General John Gaspard Le Marchant, the 1796 pattern light cavalry saber was based on Central and Eastern European hussar swords. [3] See full list on militaryhistorynow. The French light cavalry consisted of about 21,000 troops in 1845, 30,000 in 1856, 18,000 in 1870 and 28,000 in 1914 [8] - the model 1822 light cavalry was used by all these horsemen in European conflicts and 'Overseas (Crimea, Mexico, North Africa ) for nearly Light cavalry of the King's German Legion in 1813, all armed with the 1796 sabre. Quickview The 1796 Light Cavalry Trooper's sabre is one of the most prized British army swords and finding a genuine item in good condition is difficult. It was 41in long with a 35in by 1in blade and weighed 2 lb 4oz alone or 3 lb 10oz with iron scabbard. May’s squadron of the 2nd Dragoons (now 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment) slashed through the enemy lines in an attack that climaxed the opening campaigns of the Mexican War. This U. Resaca de la Palma, Texas, 9 May 1846. This sword includes an all steel scabbard with steel fittings and hanging rings. Jun 24, 2009 · Through the posts and pictures provided by Jonathon Hopkins, I have become interested in the British Pattern 1821 saber, specifically the light cavalry version. The resulting design had a blade with a pronounced curve, broader near the tip than at the hilt and with a broad fuller. The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Sabre was used by US cavalry from the American Civil War until the end of the Indian wars. 3. Posted: Tue 24 Mar, 2015 10:30 am Post subject: Mini review of 1822 French light cavalry saber, lots of pics At the beginning, for anyone interested in the history of this model of saber, I recommend reading this article from oldswords. 1860 Cavalry Sabre was standard issue for Union cavalry, has a high carbon steel blade, leather spiral bound grip and a nickel steel scabbard. Sabre de cavalerie l g re: While this name actually means light cavalry saber (so one could conclude that it comprises all light cavalry sabers) it is used only for sabers that have metal scabbards with a three branches brass hilt, the most famous models being the An IX and AN XIII. A sabre from a very transitional period in US swords. Despite this, most of the M1840 sabers in service at the outbreak of the Civil War remained in service throughout the war. Vasse. Blade lengths were from 32 to 35. S. The light Cavalry Saber had a blade that was shorter, not as thick or wide, and came with a scaled down scabbard to fit the new blade. I’ve compared the hilts of the 1860 (Left) 1840 (right) in the last photo. The grip and pommel are of typical 1796 light cavalry sabre form but the thick square knuckle guard and the unusual langets that appear to be a crown with feathers make this a most unusual and striking example. The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber (also known as the M1862 as this was when the first 80,000 were issued) [1] is a long sword made of steel and brass, used by US cavalry from the American Civil War [2] until the end of the Indian wars; some were still in use during the Spanish–American War. It is 89 cm long and has a curvature of 3. The British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sword. Sep 18, 2017 · The new model 1860 Saber as the Ordnance Department response. The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, which actually appeared in small numbers as early as 1859, gradually replaced the Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber. This example is offered in as found condition, the blade shows Our Cold Steel 1796 Light Cavalry Saber is inspired by the iconic swords used by the British and their allies at the Battle of Waterloo. Our Price: $158. Scabbard shows a number of minor dents and dings as normal. The British pattern 1796 Cavalry Saber was used by the Hussars, Light Dragoons and Kings German Legion Light Cavalry of the Napoleonic Era. The sword is basically the Civil War period Light Cavalry Sabre (the so-called 1860 mode. This edged weapon is dated “1860” on the ricasso and was one of five thousand such ‘new pattern’ Model 1860 sabers that Ames delivered under its 1859 contract Feb 8, 2008 · Here is a photo of a heavy cavalry (1840) enlisted sword next to an 1872 enlisted style light cavalry sword to show the difference in size and weight. The M1860 Light Cavalry Saber was created to replace the M1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber, which was heavier and longer, but looked exactly the same as its successor. Oct 8, 2016 · The light cavalry got lucky; they were issued the 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre – a weapon so effective that some French regiments complained that it was unfair! The heavy cavalry were less well off; they received a long, straight sword designed for powerful chopping strokes. Here is an example of a US regulation light cavalry sabre made by Ames in 1906. Captain Charles A. widened out in the lowest third of the blade, (tapering to a point), a plain hilt with a knuckle bow, sweeping up perpendicularly into a cross–guard with a double langet. Many 1796 Light Cavalry trooper swords were made without maker’s marks and sold directly to regiments. Our Cold Steel 1796 Light Cavalry Saber is inspired by the iconic swords used by the British and their allies at the Battle of Waterloo. or imported from Europe, continued to be used through the Civil War, as evidenced by this 1860s Union officer , who has opted for the “Old Wrist-Breaker” 40 pattern blade, along with what appears to be the Model No. 6 cm. The 1796 Light Cavalry Saber comes with your choice of an all steel scabbard or a wood/leather A sabre or (American English) saber (/ ˈ s eɪ b ər / SAY-bər) is a type of backsword with a curved blade associated with the light cavalry of the early modern and Napoleonic periods. George Armstrong Custer used the M1860 Saber throughout his military service. May 22, 2015 · Above: IV pattern Hussar saber (model 1795-1796), which inspired the British 1788 light cavalry saber. British 1796 pattern Light Cavalry sabre British 1796 pattern Light Cavalry sabre British 1796 pattern Light Cavalry sabre British 1796 pattern Light Cavalry sabre For €283,15 0 reviews Add to cart; Windlass Steelcrafts British 1796 pattern Light Cavalry sabre Windlass Steelcrafts 1796 Cavalry Saber - 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. 2 Smith & Wesson The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber (also known as the M1862 as this was when the first 800 were issued) was used by US cavalry from the American Civil War until the end of the Indian wars; some were still in use during the Spanish-American War. Blade with ricasso, two hollow sides, but no fullers. 225 US (225 CAN) SWD-14. Another Oct 21, 2023 · The French light cavalry troop used the An IX-mounted cavalry model saber from 1800-1801. e. A fine representative saber issued to countless Federal cavalrymen during the Late War of the Rebellion. 2. The Model 1840 Cavalry Saber was based on the 1822 French hussar's sabre. By Martin Read. Sword in Scabbard. It was adopted by the Prussians (as the 1811 pattern or "Blücher sabre") and used by Portuguese and Spanish cavalry. Designed by John Gaspard Le Marchant, it featured a curved blade optimized for slashing attacks, which was considered more effective for cavalry charges than thrusting swords. Light cavalry was used mainly in skirmishes, disturbing the enemy, and in “hit and run” type maneuvers, so the sword was designed for that type of use. Drag also shows light wear. Produced by the Chicopee, Massachusetts firm of Ames Sword Company, this weapon is the Model 1860 Light Cavalry saber that was initially called the ‘new pattern’ 1860 saber. com A sabre or (American English) saber (/ ˈ s eɪ b ər / SAY-bər) is a type of backsword with a curved blade associated with the light cavalry of the early modern and Napoleonic periods. May 4, 2025 · The hilt type is of a very rare but known form. Manufactured by the West Chelmsford, Massachusetts concern of Christopher Roby and Company, this saber was one of over 48,000 edged weapons produced for the U. SE1700 1860 Officer's Light Cavalry Saber. The Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry saber remained in use with the British cavalry for only a few years after the battle of Waterloo (June 18, 1815), and was officially replaced with the Pattern 1821 Light Cavalry saber, although the effectiveness and the popularity of the P1796 with the troopers resulted in the saber remaining in service for The 1796 Light Cavalry Saber was developed for the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. Ordnance Department. Designed by Major-General John Gaspard Le Marchant, the 1796 pattern light cavalry saber was based on Central and Eastern European hussar swords. Some British P-1821 Light Cavalry Officer’s Sabers (quite similar to our M-1833 Dragoon Saber) were imported The US M1840 Cavalry Saber would be the standard mounted services saber until it was finally replaced by a lighter, slimmer version of the saber, designated as the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber. com, it describes development, design, changes of design throughout the period of its use and history of its The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber (also known as the M1862 as this was when the first 800 were issued) was used by US cavalry from the American Civil War until the end of the Indian wars; some were still in use during the Spanish American War. A handsome, Ames-produced cavalry saber that bears the look of ‘being there’. The Hungarian style saber directly influenced this model. As a young captain, he observed the clumsy design of the heavy, overly long 1788 Pattern swords. Unlike its replacement, the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber , the M1840 has a ridge around its quillon , a leather grip wrapped in wire (rather than grooves cut into the wooden handle) and a flat, slotted throat. Posted: Sun 25 Jun, 2023 4:47 pm Post subject: First Impressions: Windlass 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre I finally got my 1796 LC repro by Windlass Steelcrafts in India and wanted to share my initial impressions. Below: heavy cavalry saber (sword), an XIII pattern Both of these weapons were carried in an iron scabbard. The Russian hussar (or light cavalry) XVIIIth and early XIXth century sabre was distinguished by a broad, medium-curved blade with “yelman” (i. May 2, 2025 · The British Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry saber was designed for a specific combat system, and both the sword and the system were developed by the same man, Le Marchant. Original Item: Only One Available: The Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre is a sword that was used primarily by British Light Dragoons and hussars, and King's German Legion light cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. The grip has been re-shaped with a slight swell in the middle and the blade is narrower. Steel: 1055 Carbon - The carbon content and lean alloy of this shallow hardening steel make this a very sturdy material that avoids a lot of the brittleness commonly associated with higher carbon materials. Its distinctive blade profile is considered by some to have been derived from the Indian Talwar, and it gained such popularity that it remained in use (by the German Cavalry) until the beginning of the Twentieth century! The light cavalry sabre was designed by John Gaspard Le Marchand, a cavalry officer, and Henry Osborne, a Birmingham cutler, with the aim of creating an effective and practical weapon. Cavalry from both sides during the Civil War preferred the M1860 Cavalry Saber for use in battle. Originally associated with Central European cavalry such as the hussars , the sabre became widespread in Western Europe during the Thirty Years' War . It is the 2nd inception of the three-bar hilt, which became a common hilt style on many military swords of the 1800s. Its distinctive blade profile is considered by some to have been derived from the Indian Talwar, and it gained such popularity that it remained in use (by the German Cavalry) until the beginning of the Twentieth century! Sep 1, 2004 · This saber is a high quality modern saber that is fully capable of passing the famous British Proof Test for quality and durability. The light version was popular, but the heavy model, affectionately dubbed the Old Wrist Breaker was considered by many to be the one to carry into battle! The hand-forged blade of the M-1860 Light Cavalry Saber is British military spec steel that will flex over 20° and return to true. The Sabre Cavalerie Legere AN XI is the classic sword for the light cavalry of Napoleons Grand Arm. Quickview. Our Price: $29. This design, introduced in 1821 (accepted in 1822, which is why it is often called the Pattern 1822) lasted more that 80 years into the early 20th century. 4. 5 inches (810 to 900 mm) with pronounced curves, fullered, and tapered to spear points. 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sword - The blade is hand forged from tough 1080 high carbon steel and spring tempered and arrives fully sharpened. SE1303 1860 Light Cavalry Saber Guard. Excellent value and display quality reproduction. 1860 Cavalry Saber replaced the 1840 “old wrist breaker”. 31. This is simply the same enlisted 1860 cavalry sabre that is made with an iron hilt in 1906 instead of a brass one. The saber’s hilt is mild steel with a leather wrapped wooden grip. This saber was used by both the light cavalry and the artillery even after they were given the French 1822 pattern light cavalry saber in 1834. British 1796 Light Cavalry Saber with unsharpened, high carbon EN45 spring steel blade. It comes from the new weapon systems and arming plan put forward in 1800 which tried to cut down on the number of regulation sabers for all types of troops. Haythornthwaite: Napoleonic cavalry (2002), p. Their bravery proved that the 2,500 American soldiers under Zachary Taylor could sha THE FRENCH LIGHT CAVALRY SWORD 1822 MODEL A Classical Taste - Author : N. During the early part of the French Revolutionary War, the British Army launched an expeditionary This Civil War artifact is Federal Model 1860 light cavalry saber that was recovered in the battle area at East Cavalry Field in Gettysburg. In the estimation of a number of modern experts this sword is possibly the finest cutting sword ever manufactured in quantity. Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, made by the former scythe-manufacturing firm of Mansfield & Lamb of Forestdale, Rhode Island. Once part of the Norbert Oyler Collection, this edged weapon specimen and its metal scabbard are fine representatives of the type issued to Yankee troopers during the war. The U. 95 Compare. I think these swords are largely under-rated and under-appreciated. extovymfvwxzzsgpnihmmodjotkzuzlskdpittsnqsovgqcptsbhisqogydskgotqdzscmfgq