US 1902 Sword Carrier

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you for the response and detail on the M1902, now that I see it I can remember somewhat. It seems these U.S. swords are seldom seen or discussed around here, so it is great to have this input. Very nice carry item you found, and it would seem pretty rare.

[Hotspur]

The US experimental cavalry sword used the same blade profile as the M1902, so we can't say the blades were entirely worthless. The Philippine Constabulary swords were definitely field swords but had a different wire wrapped grip and slightly heavier hilt.

The 1902 is well covered in Peterson's old testament. I have a short bladed Colonial brand example that aside from pretty blade etchings might make for a weapon if needed but no doubt an officer would have a pistol as well.

While the order for the m1902 was to be for all Army officers, I little doubt a cavalry officer wouldn't favor the 1906, which was just a steel hilted civil war pattern The 1913 scabbard was attached directly to the horse's rig.
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/foru...-and-scabbard/

The fellows mentioned above are vastly more knowledgeable regarding 20th century US swords. I am kind of guilty in absorbing information through reading their thoughts.

This thread for the Philippine swords. It does show a belt and single strap.
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/foru...fficer-swords/

Cheers

GC

[kronckew]

more good stuff, thanks.

the PC version does look more weapon-like. wonder if they were sharpened.
the belt carrier shows a leather single strap sling, but looks like it was originally the early 2-strap with the 2nd cut off.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

... Thank you for the response and detail on the M1902 ... It seems these U.S. swords are seldom seen or discussed around here ...

Most probably because the scope of this sub-forum is more focused on earlier items; isn't that so, Jim ?

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by fernando

Most probably because the scope of this sub-forum is more focused on earlier items; isn't that so, Jim ?

Ideally yes Nando,
however as we know, many times various forms and weaponry in general transcend hard line limits or boundaries. Often patterns and obsolete or dated arms will become ersatz weapons in much later situations,so in a sense its like trying to geographically 'define' many ethnographic forms.
Personally I have never collected nor overly studied many American swords and my resources are limited, so I welcome 'stretching ' the parameters a bit in cases like this.......I learn a lot from these guys!

[kronckew]

1902 is now firmly in the 'over 100 yrs. old' antique class. as are many early and pre ww1 stuff. today's junk is tomorrow's antiques. 'ersatz'? ersatz is a state of mind. just because it's obsolete does not mean it's not effective. a well known ww2 brit (scots) officer went into battle, landing on the beach with his claymore and with bagpipes playing, later captured 42 germans, one after the other with only his sword, and also has the honour of the last confirmed battle kill with an english longbow, skewering a german sgt. during a battle. he was,of course, a tad eccentric. but effective.

sadly, the m1902 army sabre IS an ersatz sword, not having been designed for combat, but just for parades, it is a poor substitute for the real thing. luckily not all swords used in ww1 (or ww2 - remember the milsco version dutchy klewang issued to US marines) were ersatz.

anyways, to complete the set, i just stumbled across and purchased the earlier 2 sling leather version with the belt slide. it can also be used on the ww1 era issued canvas cartridge belt as shown below.

[Hotspur]

I just wanted to add this thread link at USM that regards a number of hangers for the US m1902 swords.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/foru...elts-hangers/?

Cheers

GC