This excellent British Napoleonic cavalry officer's fighting sword is mounted with a massive, yet superbly balanced 84 cm long hatchet blade that remarkably still retains all of its original razor sharp edge. The hilt and the scabbard are brass, a very uncommon feature, making the sword very light for its size. The back piece of the hilt and the lower ferrule are peened onto the tang, a feature sometimes seen on the 1796 Pattern light cavalry officer's sabers, meant to increase the strength and stability of the hilt. There is a light mobility of the guard around the tang. Top of the scabbard is lightly inscribed with initials which appear to read Wm/7 V or M, most probably officer's initials. The condition of the blade on this sword is just stunning, as it retains virtually all of its original polish. A terrific Napoleonic officer's fighting sword!