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MILITARY TREASURES www.militarytreasures.com
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by Charles M. PROVINCE Sometime between 1902 and 1906, the U.S. Army's Ordnance Department decided to issue a new Cavalry Saber. The saber being replaced had been in use since 1861, when the light cavalry saber had replaced the Model 1840 heavy dragoon saber. The new pattern, issued only in limited numbers to a portion of the then existing 10 regiments, had the same shape and size of guard, grips, and blade as the Model 1861, but the guard of the new model was made of steel instead of the traditional brass. The cavalry saber, Model 1913, was the last saber issued to and used by the U.S. Cavalry. The designer of the "last of the bright blades" was Lieutenant George S. Patton, Jr. At the time of the redesign, Patton was "Master of the Sword at the Mounted Service School" at Fort Riley, Kansas. Quite an honor for a young Army Lieutenant. Because of his involvement with and enthusiasm for the cavalry saber Patton was given the first of many nicknames, "Saber George." According to The New Cavalry Equipment, an article appearing in the September 1912 issue of the Journal of the United States Cavalry Association, the saber was designed to be a cut and thrust weapon. It had a two-edged blade with a chisel point. The blade was of forged steel and the sword was 38" in overall length. It weighed two pounds. The blade was manufactured with blood-letting grooves running down each side to within 4-3/4 inches of the point. The grips were black hard rubber with 13 per inch checking. The guard was made of 0.042 inch thick sheet steel. The saber scabbard was made of hickory wood treated with oil and white lead. It was covered with rawhide and then with waterproofed olive drab canvas. The webbed canvas covering was woven in a circular manner to eliminate a seam. Designed by George Patton in the 1910's when he was still just a Lieutenant, this finely crafted sword was commonly attached to a trooper's saddle. The tempered, high carbon steel blade was generally used as a thrusting weapon. Featuring a steel guard and a hard plastic handle, it is easy to grip and is solidly constructed. Single fullered blade is 35" long and 1 1/8" wide at the ricasso. 44" overall. Wt 2 lbs. 8 oz. Wood scabbard with steel mounts. The price includes the sword and the display plaque in your choice of American Black Walnut, American Red Oak, Alder wood or Cherry hardwood. Up to three lines of engraving on the plaque are also included in the price Windlass Steelcrafts have outdone themselves, this is better than the original.
This sword display plaque will come with 3 lines of laser etched engraving, which is included in price.
Please complete the following form and submit it for your engraving. We offer up to 3 lines of engraving on the plaque included in the price of your sword. Please include a contact name and phone number in case we need to contact you about your engraving. The engraving will go directly to our email and will be matched up with your order when we receive it.
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