British Light Cavalry Officer’s Sabre.  This exceptional Officer's Sabre, complete with the original sword knot and elaborately embroidered belt, is engraved on the scabbard: R JOHNSTON, late BLAND & FOSTER, Sword Cutler & Belt Maker to his MAJESTY, 68 St. James Str, LONDON.  The sword is 29 1/2 inches overall, the curved blade itself is 25 inches.   It does not conform to the standard 1796 light cavalry Officer pattern being both shorter in the blade and with a more pronounced curve, but this is not unusual as the sword maker, Johnston, would make custom alterations for his wealthy clientele.    The blade is clean, without embellishment and with minor wear, the stirrup hilt with wire wrapped lizard skin grip and finely decorated longet, with traces of the original gilt present.    The scabbard condition overall is very good, the mouthpiece, middle band and chafe of decorated brass with a leaf band decoration at each extremity has some wear to the black leather.  The sword knot is wrapped around the hilt and fragile, as the bullion ribands have separated from the strap.   The belt leather is in fine, pliable condition, with gilded embroidery and lovely lion head gilt hooks and buckles.   A most distinctive weapon.