The M1913 Patton Sword

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Dmitry

I don't think these are rare. A regional arms and militaria show will probably have at least one vendor who has an example for sale.
This saber, ironically, is straight...
I like it, as swords go. Used to wonder about the massive basket, the need for it. Odds of a US cavalry soldier engaging a mounted enemy with swords were almost non-existent in 1913.

Thank you Dmitry.
I agree, I dont consider them rare either, however they do seem desirable if nothing else for their unusual heft and design. They were designed to be carried attached to saddle mounts, much as the British cavalry swords of 1899, 1908.
You are right, there was little chance of these being actually used in combat, in fact they were entirely left behind in WWI and never saw combat.

It is also odd that the term saber is often used for these straight blade swords, and most probably a term simply used as it was aligned with cavalry intent.

As far as 'rarity' it does seem that these never had the commonality of for example the Civil War swords. In the old days you could find 1840, 1860s all over the place, but hardly ever did anyone see one of these.

I am mostly wondering just how many of these were cut down, or simply disposed of.

Again, thank you for answering Dmitry, its a bit of an unusual topic, so very much appreciated.