British Infantry Sword of 1796

British Infantry Sword of 1796

The 1796 Infantry Officer's Sabre, abbreviated as 1796, was the standard equipment of the British Army in the late 18th century. Although the design of this sword appears weak with a slightly curved blade, making it more suitable for duels rather than actual combat, it marks an important development in British military weaponry. Improvements have been made in terms of quality and balance. Despite the small blade area and insufficient protection, as a secondary weapon, its flexibility is still favored by officers. Although the 1796 type sword was later replaced by more advanced sword types such as the 1822 type, its position in military history is indelible and it is a witness to the end of the era of cold weapons.