Officers sword pattern 1796 for Light Cavalry?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by jezcott

My P1796 LC officer's sabre has a very similar design of hilt to yours, though a much more standard 1796 blade. The blade on mine is by JJ Runkel Solingen, and the presence of post 1801 Royal Arms dates the sabre from 1801-7.

I think the Royal Arms also suggest the owner was a regular officer rather than EIC.

Nice example!
I think you are right, the royal arms typically did signify regular officers while EIC were inclined to have motif of the Company primary in blade decoration. According to David Harding the EIC did not mark edged weapons with the familiar bale mark (other than bayonets which were part of the firearms and these of course were marked).

I have seen officers swords with hilts incorporating EIC lion, and of course as with officers in general, the decoration with EIC devices etc.