US M1913 ''Patton'' Cavalry Sabre

By Crusader1307

The last official Cavalry Saber issued by The US Army, The Model 1913 "Patton" Cavalry Saber was designed by none other than (then) 2nd Lieutenant George S. Patton  (later famed US Army General during World War II). Entering West Point  (The USMA) as a Cavalry Officer, he would also pioneer Tank Warfare as a viable tool on the Modern Battlefield. Coming from  Title and wealth, Patton  was a very capable Tactician, even at such a young age. His Families wealth allowed him to train in The "Military Arts" in France, where he became an able Swordsman. He used these skills you design what get felt was a more effective Cavalry Saber (despite it soon status as obsolete on a battlefield). Patton felt that the need for a curved blade was antiquated. The true use of a Saber was as a thrusting weapon (as evidenced by The Polish Koncerz Sabers of the 17th Century). Featuring a 44-inch, double -edged straight blade (unique for a Cavalry blade), it featured a better hand grips and a partially enclosed hand hilt. The Model 1913 weighed only 2.5-pounds. Another design feature was a "blued" barrel (heat tempered), as opposed to the more traditional "bright" steel. Scabbard were made of wood, covered on leather. Garrison versions were made of nickel-plating. A final innovation was that the Model 1913 was worn attached to the Saddle - and not worn on the belt of The Cavalryman. More or less considered a "perfect" blade by Cavalry standards, as stated - changes in tactics and technology soon rendered Swords and Cavalry obsolete. The few Model 1913 Sabers seen in World War I, they were used more as Ceremonial Swords.