Springfield M1913 U.S. Cavalry "Patton" Saber & Scabbard - 4-digit Serial

Description

10/22/26 - This is a Model 1913 U.S. Cavalry Saber, also known as the Patton Saber, designed by Second Lieutenant (future General) George S. Patton Jr. It features a large steel basket hilt and a straight, double-edged 35-in blade with a deep central fuller. First-year production date-stamped below the Springfield flaming bomb proof on the left side of the hilt, and the serial number '7447' is stamped on the opposing area below the 'U.S.' marking. Notably, this serial number places this example within the first ~7500 produced. These earlier examples are far more prized for their manufacturing quality and clear attention to detail, compared with the mass-manufactured examples made post-1914. The blade shows no signs of sharpening, but scattered nicks are visible along the cutting edge. The blade's face is in good shape for its age, but it has areas of mild, scattered brownish/grey patina throughout, along with darker corrosion spots, dots of shallow pitting, and surface scratches. However, a good amount of clean metal remains, and the minor condition issues appear to stem from honest use, perhaps even combat engagement. The crosshatched grips are excellent and show defined checkering, with only minor handling wear. The hilt is perfectly flush and tight. The guard retains its basket shape, with brown oxidation and scattered surface wear extending across the backstrap and pommel. The canvas-covered scabbard is in very good condition, but has a few scattered areas of abrasion, and some spots of localized fraying. The metal fittings book and ending the scabbard are in excellent condition with no damage, but do show patina, and mild scratches and scuffs. There are no repairs or replaced parts.

Influenced by his study with Adjutant M. Clery at the French Cavalry School at Saumur after the 1912 Olympics, Patton favored the point over the cutting edge for mounted combat. His design embodied this approach, which he developed in early Cavalry Journal articles, Saber Exercise 1914, and Diary of the Instructor in Swordsmanship. Officially a saber despite its uncurved blade, the Model 1913 replaced the curved Model 1906, a descendant of the Model 1860, and became the final standard combat saber adopted for U.S. cavalry. It represents a striking moment in military history: a weapon designed to perfect the mounted charge just as rifles, machine guns, artillery, and entrenched defenses were sharply limiting its usefulness. American cavalry still performed mounted duties during the war, but Patton’s greatest successes would come with armored formations in World War II, carrying his emphasis on speed, initiative, and aggressive attack into mechanized warfare. A Springfield-made M1913 Patton saber with its scabbard, a cornerstone piece for any U.S. cavalry collection.