US M1913 “Patton” Cavalry Sabre

Description

The US cavalry saber, Model 1913, was the last saber issued to the U.S. Cavalry. The
designer was Lt. George S. Patton, Jr. At the time of its design, Patton was “Master of the
Sword” at the Mounted Service School at Fort Riley, Kansas. The design was strongly
influenced by Patton’s extensive training in France, where the philosophy of sword fighting
stressed the use of the point rather than the edge. For this reason the blade of the M1913
is straight, however, it still includes a double edge for the cutting stroke. The sword
incorporates a large blued steel basket guard with broad ribbed knuckle bow. The grips
are of checkered hard rubber. The blade is 35″ long and made of .042″ thick steel with a
central fuller running to within 4 3/4″ of its point. The scabbard is of treated hickory and
covered with waterproofed olive drab canvas. Original production of the M1913 was by
Springfield Armory, but when the US entered WWI an additional 93,000 were contracted
with Landers, Frary, & Clark of Connecticut. This example in fine condition with blade
stamped “US” with eagle head and “NO. 13″ on one side and “L.F.&C./1918″ with a
flaming bomb on the other. Blued steel hilt with only minor wear marks. Grips are about
excellent. Original scabbard with 100% intact canvas cover (some staining and color has
faded). Blade generally bright and smooth, having been cleaned and showing light
scratches, with clear markings; one area of light pitting about midway and the flaming
bomb is a weak stamping. Overall length 42” (not including scabbard), weight 2 pounds
13 ounces without scabbard, 4 pounds 7 ounces with scabbard. A very nice example of
this much sought-after American sword.