The Model 1913 Cavalry Sword
After touring Europe looking at the cavalry swords of different countries, 2nd Lieutenant George S. Patton designed a sword based on multiple older swords including the British 1908 and 1912 sabers, French Mle 1896 straight saber (and the previous Mle 1882). His study of swordsmanship was meticulous, writing several articles and manuals on the subject. In 1913, Patton submitted his design of the new cavalry sword. It was a pointed weapon, designed for thrusting rather than slashing. It has a 35 inch blade, double sided, with a central fuller. It has a large basket handguard and a checkered grip.
The scabbard can be either wood covered in green leather, wood covered in canvas or shiny metal scabbards for garrison use. They have a metal throat with two rings for attaching to saddle (these were not worn on the trooper’s waist). The scabbard also has a metal cap at the end.
This sword was one of the last cavalry swords to be produced for the US Army as cavalry was dying in the traditional sense. WWI brought about tanks, which were more reliable and deadlier than mounted troops and Patton himself moved on to focus on tank warfare.
*Photos courtesy of International Military Antiques.
American Militaria Reference
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