Pattern 1796 Heavy Cavalry Trooper's sword, 1807 (c)

Hatchet blade, stamped with the maker's name, I (John or James) Gill, with disc stool and knucklebow guard. Shaped, ribbed wooden grip.

The hatchet point and broad blade made this pattern of sword useless for thrusting and its lack of curvature made it an inefficient slashing sword. The hatchet was often ground down to make a spear point. The sharp inner edge of the guard was also often ground away to prevent fraying of the wearer's uniform.