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A sword that was used primarily by British light dragoons and hussars and light cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars.

The 1796 sabre had a pronounced curve and sharpened blade for making the kind of slashing attacks used in cavalry actions decidedly easier. Its blade, unlike other European sabres of the period, widened near the point. This affected balance but made slashes far more effective during a charge.

The light cavalry comprised of lightly armed and lightly armored troops mounted on horses. The missions of the light cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars were primarily raiding, reconnaissance, screening, skirmishing, patrolling, and tactical communications. They were usually armed with swords, spears and later with pistols or carbines.