SOLD - Springfield First Production Model 1913 U.S. Cavalry Saber and Scabbard

Description

10/21/25 - This is a Model 1913 U.S. Cavalry Saber, also known as the Patton Saber, designed in 1913 by Second Lieutenant (later General) George S. Patton Jr. while Master of the Sword at the Mounted Service School. It features a large basket hilt and a straight double-edged thrusting blade for light cavalry, with a 35in blade that tapers to the point, and a deep central fuller. This Springfield Armory manufactured example with scabbard is in excellent shape for its age. The blade is dated 1913 below the Springfield maker's mark on the left side directly above the handle, and serial numbered 1712 under the US marking on the right side, indicating this was one of the first 2000 produced, during first year of manufacture. The edge is nearly intact, with no signs of use or sharpening, but does show areas of light surface patina and some minor nicks here and there throughout the blade faces and edge. The crosshatched steel grips are excellent with just a bit of handling wear. The heavy steel guard retains its original basket shape and is also in excellent shape, though there is evidence of light surface corrosion and chipping paint. The scabbard is also in great overall shape, with signs of honest wear and handling marks throughout, but no significant damage or issues.

Influenced by intensive study with Adjutant M. Cléry at the French Cavalry School at Saumur after the 1912 Olympics, Patton replaced the curved cutting style with a thrusting system codified in Saber Exercise 1914 and Diary of the Instructor in Swordsmanship, and outlined in early Cavalry Journal articles. Officially a saber yet uncurved, the Model 1913 replaced the Model 1906 Light Cavalry Saber derived from the Model 1860 and was the final saber issued to U.S. cavalry. In World War I, mounted charges were abandoned as Gewehr 98 rifles and MG08 machine guns dominated the battlefield, so American cavalry fought dismounted, and Patton later applied his aggressive forward attack ethos to tanks in World War II.