Original Item. Only One Available. This historic pattern of saber is quite remarkable! Napoleon Bonaparte himself complained about the design, opining that the "hatchet point", the broadening of the blade at the very front end, constituted an "inhumane" weapon because of the horrendous wounds it inflicted. This is a really interesting American manufactured “copy” of the famous British P-1796 cavalry sabre, dating around the War of 1812 era. This example is very crude, evident of the U.S. sword-making technology of the era.

The Pattern 1796 light cavalry saber was primarily used by British light dragoons, hussars, and King's German Legion light cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. It was also adopted by the Prussians (known as the 1811 pattern or "Blücher saber") and utilized by Portuguese and Spanish cavalry. Its design was very popular, and saw use among several different nations during the period. During the War of 1812, these sabres were used extensively by the British, so Americans certainly ended up with a few in their possession, one of which is likely to be what this sword was modeled after.

The sword is a bit loose, 37½” overall, with a 32½” blade that shows heavy wear and a gorgeous patina, with spotted oxidation across the blade, most evident near the tip. The grip is the correct leather-wrapped wood with rope wrapped around the wood first. Some of the leather is worn away and shows the grip’s construction. The hilt is in very worn shape overall, and the rain chapes of the hilt rubs against the throat of the scabbard, which has caused some damage to each as shown. The edge of the blade has some chips and nicks, but it’s in overall very nice condition.

The scabbard, which measures 34”, is very crude with the throat heavily worn down from rubbing against the rain chapes. The two suspension rings are very worn and dented, with one heavily warped. There are some cracks in the scabbard along the seams, and there is a small hole in the side of the scabbard near the end chape. The scabbard’s finish is very worn but presents very well. There is much noise made when unsheathing and sheathing the sabre, very evident of the crude construction. 

This is a really phenomenal U.S. made copy of a P-1796, almost certainly manufactured during the War of 1812 period. There’s very much character to this piece, and the construction is very emblematic of the history of American accoutrements during the period. A great example, ready for further research and display.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 32 1/2”
Overall length: 37 1/2”
Scabbard length: 34”