Pattern 1796, Heavy Cavalry sword used by Captain (later Lieutenant-Colonel) William Tyrwhitt Drake, Royal Horse Guards, 1808-1818

The blade of this sword is straight, flat backed and double edged. The wooden grip is bound with cord and covered with leather while the wrought iron or steel 'ladder' guard is broadened out at the base into a pear shaped disc with a reinforcing inside plate. The latter is engraved with the owner's name.

Of the three Household Cavalry regiments there is only pictorial evidence for Pattern 1796 being carried by the 2nd Life Guards.