The Last Cavalry Sword REVIEW - M1913 Patton Saber & other WW1 swords
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 เม.ย. 2023
- Reviewing The Last Cavalry Sword by C. Anthony Burke and looking at WW1 swords.
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Many thanks for your review of my book, if the the publisher does a reprint, I will make sure to get an image of a British pattern 1864 troopers saber from you, and fix that error and a few other minor things. Again, many thanks and I will keep an eye out for a Model 1913 for you. the author, C. Anthony Burke
Lt. Patton's 3 texts on saber training & use have been reprinted: "In Defense of My Saber (1914-1917), "Saber Exercise 1914," & "Diary of the Instructor in Swordsmanship (1915)." Fascinating reads from the man himself. I look forward to this one as well.
Can you link to these reprints?
Finally ... another presentation from Mr Easton. What a relief from the horrors of the day. A fresh infusion of enthusiasm and life into an otherwise bleak week. Thank you Mr Easton for just you being you and thank you for more wonderful history and ..... context.
Cheers!
Agreed! Mr Easton is a wonderful entertainer with his great presentation and mannerisms, plus the great research and knowledge in his content.
The M1902 All Officer's Saber is still the only saber that American Army officers (excluding chaplains) are authorized to use. Exceptions are those who are part of a ceremonial outfit depicting a period before the M1902.
Edit: A nonregulation exception, from personal experience, is the fairly common usage of the M1860 in place of the 1902 in cavalry units.
I have a 1907 Spanish sword that is the same idea, straight heavy blade. Wish I had a Patton sword. I remember when they were under $100. That was a long time ago and their price has risen faster than my income.
Remarkable timing. I recently started riding lessons, and was thinking about cavalry swords and the Patton saber while driving home from work today.
Patton sabers are somewhat rare. Most of them were cut into 3 pieces and turned into trench knifes at the beginning of WW2. My grandfather was a marine who served in WW2 and he carried one of those trench knives in the Pacific.
So, the Japanese were not the only people who cut down old weapon and blades to make new weapon and blades for new wars. Weapons are precious objects for poor soldiers and warriors, and new weapon have to be made out of old available ones. The importance is to fight war at hand, kill enemies, and hopefully survive.
Better armed rather than unarmed. Most people forget that Japanese war crimes were at least as bad as the Nazis if not worse. The Japanese army had to be put down, and the home front buggered into submission.
As a sword, only one marine could have possibly used it. But cut into three, three Marines had the chance of punching a hole in the enemy. They're weapons. That is their job.
After the success of the Australian light horse charge at Bersheba in 1917. Most of the Australian light horse were issued with swords and given a crash cause in their use and saw out the rest of the war as true cavalry
Wonderful book on the subject www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/desert-column-ww1-diaries-ion-idriess
British Yeomanry between the South African War and the Great War were trained as mounted infantry to the extent that, when sent to France in 1914 to operate with the Regular cavalry, they had to be given a crash course in cavalry charges etc. and many troopers had still not been issued the Pattern 1908 Cavalry Sword and many officers were still using their own older pattern, often family, cavalry swords.
A key reason for the continuing requirement of swords for cavalry in that period is that when meeting an opponent on horseback armed with sword or lance, it is difficult to counter them with a carried rifle. At one point (!) prior to WW1, the British Army had declined to provide swords for certain cavalry units (probably Yeomanry but i will stand corrected) on the basis that they could use rifles with bayonets. This was not practical and lead to a cartoon deriding the idea in Punch I believe.
I'm new to the channel, and I've got to say that I love your enthusiasm for the subject matter! Your passion for history and attention to detail clearly showed themselves in this video, and I look forward to seeing more from you!
American here. I bought an M1913 from a shop a couple years ago. It is the only original antique sword I own in my collection of reproductions. It was one of two for sale, and they were a bit more expensive than the earlier American swords beside them. However, that's probably because they were in poorer condition, where as the materials of the Patton Saber hilt were not organic (to my knowledge, at least) and they also still had their scabbards as well. Being the same price, I got the mildly better preserved one of the two.
Windlass makes a reproduction of these, although I don't own it. They say theirs is unsharpened because they claim originals weren't service sharpened. Not sure if that's true or a myth.
A dear friend of mine purchased one of the first of the Windlass reproductions and had it professionally sharpened. The sharpening service honored their contract and put a reasonable cutting edge on it, but said they'd never do another one, due to the amount of reprofiling it required.
Scared me a bit with that title.
I just clicked on it without reading it (this channel's instant watch for me), but yeah, if I had, that kind of would have been momentarily depressing if I just read the first line..
'The LAST...'
Nope, already got too many of those..
😂
I understood. “HE AINT EVUH GONE STOP”
I have a M1913 with scabbard; it has been in my family for as long as I can remember. Thank you for this video!
The Patton sword has a GREAT blade. I purchased one from a friend for $30 around 1981. It was just the blade. The hilt and scabbard were missing. I had another friend mount the blade to a Scottish basket hilt I'd picked up elsewhere and the result was amazing. The spring steel of the Patton is awesome. I had another friend make a leather scabbard and baldric for me also. Sadly, I had to sell it in '83 for $300 to help finance a trip out of state to get a better job : (
So what do you think of Patton's texts on swordsmanship? Would you consider him to be a competent swordsman or an out-of-touch romantic when it came to edged weapons?
Wow I was researching about the Patton Saber and his manual recently. Perfect timing.
Decades ago, I purchased a Musuem Replicas reproduction of the Patton saber. I was impressed with the ability to use fencing parries, although slower than skinny foil.
I seen one of those swords in antique store as a kid. It was painted in Olive drab paint. Cool sword!!!
Wow! Thank you!!! Definitely will pick this book up.
Patton wasn't a conductor, nor a member of the orchestra however during rehearsals he DID make cucumber sandwiches and tea for the break...he was very helpful and deserves a mention
Excellent Matt, thanks
Is 400k subs! Congratulations!
We used to be well acquainted with a gentleman who served in the last mounted operation undertaken by the British Army in Palestine (Couldn't find the name of the operation) in 1940, as an officer with the Cheshire Yeomanry. When it converted to signals, he transferred to the Greys. He was an enthusiastic rider and actually rode in the Olympic for Canada in, I think, 1952. At a Christmas party at his house here in Northern Virginia about 35 years ago, I met a former Polish cavalryman who had ridden in the 1936 Olympics and a former Blues and Royals commanding officer. Most surprisingly, though, we discovered that he had been born in Germany and his father was a high-ranking member of the German government, although his mother was Scottish, so everything was okay. They had to leave Germany when Hitler took over. There was no talk of the war at the party, only of horses.
Thanks for the video ⚔️
Excellent video! I must buy that book.
I got the book, it is awesome. Thanks for the recommendation Matt!
A friend had a presentation model, which had a plated guard and a rosewood handle; it was quite impressive.
Also, some in depth look at estocs would be nice!
It has been very strongly argued recently that the cavalry were in fact vital to the war in WW1, acting as a mobile reserve they were quickly able to plug breakthrough and they were needed to exploit any made by the allies. The typical depiction is basically purely fictitious, there enemy was barbed wire, their is quite the record of machine guns being knocked out or captured in real engagements between the two, even traditional cavalry changes remained very effective and some of the most onesided engagements of the conflict were when their own infantry had broken and they were able to capture the enemy infantry on the advance and thus out of cover. If commanded competently they were excellent, and against enemy not covered by barbed wire the light order of period infantry in fact made infantry (and thus everything behind them) more vulnerable than in previous times, and in unfavourable circumstances they could simply dismount and act as highly mobile infantry.
Patton defeated 23 out of the 29 epee competitors in 1912 Olympics to include French champion Lieutenant Jean de Mas Latrie. Afterwards, Patton travelled to Saumur France to study under French Army Adjutant and Master of Arms Charles Clery who was regarded as the finest swordsman in Europe at the time. Patton also trained under Lieutenant Hassler who was an instructor at the French service school at Joinville-le-Pont. Patton's wife Beatrice was fluent in French and helped document Monsieur Clery's instruction and teaching philosophy and methods to bring back to the US. Patton's fencing style was aggressive and mirrored his philosophy on warfare. There was no defense, but rather violent offensive action which provided the necessary defense and the use of the thrust over the cut was the key. Upon Patton's return to the US, he was appointed Master of the Sword at the US Cavalry School at Fort Riley. Patton's saber method as stated before was there is no defense. Patton's method of attacking with opposition combining offensive and defensive action in a single move transfixing their opponent. Patton's cavalry saber training program at Fort Riley had the goal of producing vigorous, offensive, thrusting fighters. The US Model 1913 Cavalry Saber was the product of that philosophy.
I have the handled the 1892 Cavalry Troopers, the 1908 saber, also the 1913. The 1892 is actually slightly more agile in my view. But the 1908 and 1913 look cool
Yeah! I was "Like" number 1000 exactly ;)
Always good to see a sword video by Mr. Easton. Or spear, or wood, etc. Always great content
When are you going to come out with a book? It seems so strange that you don't have one. I certainly will buy it when it comes out.
If I can suggest a subject it would be fighting knives and their use. That makes me think of a question. Since the Bowie knife was popular in the British military was there any material on fighting with it during that era?
That sounds really interesting. Thank you.
Captain Charles Hornsby ran his man through the ribs with the 1908 cavalry sword.
Earning a DSO.
It's on my wishlist now, my primary interest is cavalry. I've personally wondered would a cut and thrust saber be superior to one of those swords especially if a mounted melee happened instead of the hit and charge threw attacks.
I read a book awhile ago, can't remember what it was that commented that as a young lieutenant in WW1 BL Montgomery had his sword sharpened to go to war, and by the end of his career, as deputy commander of NATO had nuclear weapons under his control.
There is some old reel footage on TH-cam of American Expeditionary Forces cavalry trotting through France with the M1913 Patton Sabers in hand.
I posted this elsewhere, but fell it's worth a repeat. A friend of mine had a presentation model of the Patton with a polished hilt and rosewood handles.
Thank you Matt you're a well of knowledge
I have a 19 th Alberta Dragoons 1908p who were in the last Canadian charge of WW1😊 I believe that the 1913 US sword was never used in battle 😮
"The 26th Cavalry Regiment, consisting mostly of Philippine Scouts, was the last U.S. cavalry regiment to engage in horse-mounted warfare. When Troop G encountered Japanese forces at the village of Morong on 16 January 1942, Lieutenant Edwin P. Ramsey ordered the last cavalry charge in American history.[14][15][16] "
This is from wikipedia, maybe swords were used in this action? If so, this would be the last.
@@minuteman4199 no swords. Try wikipedia 1913 Patton saber: In any case, when it was issued, it was already militarily obsolete because modern warfare did not allow the cavalry charges for which it was intended. According to Parker, "if it was ever drawn in anger, I can find no record of it.
Fascinating! What is that iron tent peg looking thing shown with the photo of the 1913 sword?
Have you ever considered doing a piece on current UK commissioned officer dress swords? which historical swordsthey get their inspiration from, whether they would stand up as actual combat swords etc?
There is a Royal welsh fusiliers sword as well but for infantery !
In ww1
Matt, I saw a picture of the hilt of a 1796 pattern heavy cavalry dress sword and I immediately fell in love (or something). It would be great to get a look at one from your point of view.
I would LOVE a sword with that British 1908 hilt, but with a cut and thrust blade.
Reminds me of a “gymnasium saber” hilt.
@@sawyere2496 Same here, but there is something about the specific shape of that grip and the black guard that just works for me.
I actually have one with a sabre blade. I'll feature it in another video.
@@scholagladiatoria Sweet
Thank you very much! As a person interested in WWI i wish you make a video about russian shashka of that period.
This is a Great site for learning
I'd be interested to know why so many of these in the US have poorly repainted guards. Originally the guards were made with a kind of brown/blued finish, but I've seen many that have been roughly sanded and slathered with black paint, like mine. I want to say too many to be just random people messing with them.
Matt, you should make a video on books, which ones to pick and which to avoid or take with a grain of salt.
If the ONLY error you can find is the 1864. patent had a picture of anglo-indian cavalry then I would rate that book 11 of 10. Even my tax forms have more errors than that. Even NASA flies to the moon with more errors. This book could be a standard of perfection!
I think often books have more errors then Wikipedia !
@@killerkraut9179 Yeah wikipedia is kind of designed around that fact. It has constant checks and updates, something that books can't get by the nature of being well, printed on paper.
@@GilgameshEthics But often by books there are just mistakes that could even be avoided before printing ,i dont just talking about new informations some things just looked lazy or not after checked !
What are your thoughts on the city of London Yeomanry sword from the boer war. Was this a stepping stone to the 1908 pattern or a design cul de sac ? Keep up the good work.
Yes this sword is my favourite version. -Also my daughter is Sabre, Artoria (in the future)
"Dismounted cavalry acting as infantry"
So, they reinvented dragoons
5 Brigades of Australian Light Horse (15 Regiments of Mounted Infantry) plus the New Zealand Mounted Rifles and French Colonial (Senegalese) also made major contributions beside the British Yeomanry, etc, in Sinai and Palestine. The entire British Desert Mounted Corps was commanded by Australian Lt Gen Henry Chauvel.
I wouldn’t do much for a Klondike Bar but I’d significantly degrade myself for a really good reproduction of the M1913 with the officer’s scabbard. Windlass makes a repro which doesn’t totally suck but it’s nothing to write home about and only comes with the enlisted pattern scabbard. A few years ago, Windlass collaborated with the U. S. Cavalry Association to make a very good reproduction of the M1906 saber. Any chance they’d do that again for the M1913?
Hello at 6:22 there is an image of a saber with a spike looking device near the scabbard, what is that? It doesnt look like a bayonet, I cant find it online does anybody know?
Matt are there examples of purely thrusting centric non regulation cavalry swords from tge indian Mutiny and how do you think of them in that context ?
Both sides were expecting a breakthrough in 1914 and 1915 which would require fast-moving forces to exploit. Since there was little in the way of mass production of motor vehicles suitable to that task or an abundance of metal roads able to withstand the advance of mechanized infantry, horse cavalry was the only answer to the problem as the generals anticipated it. After the Western Front went static in the wake of the Battle of the Marne, British and French cavalry units were put into reserve far enough from the front that horseflesh would not likely be lost to enemy artillery yet close enough to dash forward to exploit any opportunity to penetrate and envelop the German lines. However, the German cavalry was mostly sent eastward to shore up the faltering Austrians against the Russians. Staff chief Erich von Falkenhayn was confident Germany's superb rail net could rapidly replenish the Western cavalry reserve when his plan to "bleed the French army white" at Verdun bore fruit. Unfortunately, the Battle of Verdun backfired on the German army, who "bled out" almost as severely as the French though it could not tolerate the losses as nearly as well. Logistically exhausted by the 1916 debacle, Germany moved to the defensive by digging deeper and pouring concrete while the Allies used "temporary" fortifications sandbags. (That was politics asserting itself over military priorities. The French government could not survive any tacit acceptance of German boots on French soil, consequently, the trenches were to be treated as preparatory to a final victorious attack rather than as defensive positions, leaving them muddy, cold, and lice-infested. The German trenches from late 1916 to the end were far more comfortable with drainage, electric lighting, and in some cases electric heat.)
On the other hand, Allied cavalry, particularly the French, became for the most part a replacement pool for the frontline trenches. Ruined infantry battalions retired to the rear to be replaced by cavalry units moving forward, leaving their mounts, lances, and swords behind. The British adoption of the SMLE, one basic rifle for infantry and cavalry facilitated the integration of troopers into the rifleman's role.
The spring of 1918 saw a last-throw gamble in the West for the German army. The October Revolution in 1917 took Russia out of the war, theoretically freeing up more than a million Central Powers troops for a decisive attack in the West. America joined the war the previous April, but she was still raising and training an army, so striking fast in the West was crucial. Sadly for the German Empire, Austria-Hungary was by that time a bigger drain on Germany's resources than her exhausted army could ever justify, and the new emperor, Karl I, was secretly exploring a separate peace with the Allies. By assisting Lenin's return to Russia from his Swiss exile Hindenburg had hoped for a surge of manpower for the Western Front. By 1918 that was a forlorn hope, but it was Germany's only option other than surrender. The Michael Offensive had to win the war before the Americans came in force. To facilitate that last throw, all the cavalry Germany that could move from the East or could be raised and equipped from the conscripts of 1917 were poised in Belgium just behind the breakthrough points. Though it was nearly four years into a war that had developed entirely contrary to all the planning and preparations made before 1914, the cavalry arm was to function just as it had been trained to function before 1914 with lances, swords, and carbines along with horse-drawn light artillery and mounted machinegun squads. The only significant differences were gas masks for troopers and mounts, training on other subjects relating to chemical warfare, and avoiding mined areas.
If used as described here, I feel like these thrusting swords used on the charge would end up getting stuck in people and lost when moving past the target after the thrust. I imagine that's why curved sabers were sometimes preferred.
According to one (two?) of the books you concerning the British swordsmanship that you recommend, the first encounter of WWI (at mark 1:55 in the video) was not fatal. Both the British and Germans received a casualty, both having an arm wound. I assume the German was captured as the report stated that several weeks afterwards the he was still recuperating with nerve damage, and the Brit was almost healed. Not to knock your video. It was informative and you sold me on a book. Now to find one.
What is the difference between mounted infantry and Dragoons?
half sword can actually become handy in trench warfare due to the tight spaces
Probably still safer and more practical using a shorter sword like a cutlass or a billhook. Trench clubs and improvised maces were very popular.
I think he missed a point of discussion about cavalry in Asia,the Russian Revolution and the Sino-Japanese war(s) had lots of cavalry and mounted infantry use.
Mr. Easton. Did you happen to get a copy of “Swords of the Emperor” by John E. Plimpton from Headstamp Publishing? I know Asian swords aren’t your expertise, but would be interested in hearing your opinion on it.
Were rapiers used much on horseback? Or in war? On foot I'd much rather have something that cuts, but on horseback might be interesting.
Matt has a couple videos about rapiers. The short answer is yes. The longer answer is contextual.
I am interested in what the australians used in the boer war, I remeber seeing tent pegging using either a lance or a sword as a kid in the 70 ta a country show or fair. cheers
I would love a deep dive video on American swords largely because despite being an American myself, I know far more about British swords than American ones! XD
How would you rate it compared to the 1860 pattern of the Civil War?
Matt, should you happen across any examples at the same time I'd be interested in a comparison of the American M1902 to the French 1882 and Italian 1888s as I'm sure the 1902's designer, Henry V. Allien encountered them on his European fact finding trips and they have obvious similarities.
I suppose there was a big selection of (often improvised) close combat weapons used in the trenches, so infantry swords were much more useful than cavalry. I'd still like to see your thoughts behind why cavalry used swords rather than lances. I know you're a sword guy so you might see it as obvious but I really don't understand why.
i have a few of them in my collection though late era cavalry swords never seemed like a good idea to me, while i get they are incredibly lethal weapons but a thrusting sword in my experience from seeing dozen people i've known over the years get into knive fights stabbed in various places around the torso sometimes even through and through with a bowie and just not care means they have always seemed of dubious use in a fight i've seen a cut to the arm have imediate effect on someone i've never seen a stab get even a reaction
the estoc being reinvented after protective complex hilts were invented and had progressed for ages
Please do an expert review of the cinematic trailers for the "Star Wars: The Old Republic" video game. There is spectacular choreography, combinations of different types of lightsabers and Force abilities. Everything is very stylish, concentrated and varied. In total, these are 6 trailers with 2-3 minutes of fencing each. Thank you!
I have my grandfather's sword and its basically a giant bayonet.
We adopt this sword after Army adopted M1911 pistol.
He competed in modern pentathlon in 1912
Patton was awesome. Not sure about the sword like.
No mention of the Spanish 1907?
I have one of those. It’s a very nice sword. Its handling is kind of in between the British 1908 and the US 1913.
It IS depicted in the book. I d
bought it. Great book!
I was under the impression the US definition of a sabre was based on the style of the hilt rather than the blade?
Have a French 1896, two 1908s and a 1913 (with picket pin). The 1908 is the pick of the three. In the hands of an accomplished sword and horseman the 1913 might be ok... for anyone else the blade is too fragile.
what sword would Zorro have used if he wasnt real..i know both guy williams and duncan used sabre fencing swords but would those be practical or sturdy enough to witstand so much fighting? and what would be more accurate for a spanish californian don in that time::1820ish
Patton would be spinning in his grave if he knew about this video. He hated that his sword was compared to the 1908. It didn't help he hated the British in *general* (hee-hee)
Having owned both the officer and trooper sword, there is an interesting detail that might be missed by the stats. The officer version has a lighter guard as it is designed to be worn and used for fencing. While the trooper version at around 2.5lbs can be used on foot, the officer version would function more as a heavy rapier. Additionally, these swords would be used with padding and a heavy leather glove, which accounts for the oversized handguard. If any thrusting would be done without it, the sword is more liable to break your own hand or wrist than piercing the enemy in anger.
👍🏻
ANd then, there was "Mad Jack" Churchill...
at least he doesn't sidestep and talk about bud light or some other freakish thing happening today! i love hearing about steel it is such a great idea to turn people away from a side
As an American, US swords sound interesting
day 1 of asking for part 2 of your helmet history video
0:54 outstanding....let me grab a beer.
If these swords are meant to be used almost like a lance (charging with the point forward), why didn't they just use regular lances?
Lances can't easily be worn and used at the same time as long firearms. Cavalry in this period were usually expected to shoot also, both mounted and on foot, so a sword is more convenient and also better in a melee.
@@scholagladiatoria : In second half of second German Empire German cavallry was Einheitskavallerie/ Standard cavallry. This means, the different branches ( Kürassiere/ Reiter ( Saxony)/ Ulanen/ Hussaren/ Dragoner/ Jäger zu Pferd/ Chevauxlegeres ( Bavaria) had been only a Tradition thing. Basicly, german military headquarters knew, that traditional charges with edged weapons slowly come to an end, and using mounted troops as mounted infantry and ,fast mobile troops ' is the future. But older officers and Wilhelm ll of Prussia had been tradidionalists. Giving the cavallrymen Karabiner/ carbines as repeating guns was a correct step.But they got no bayonnets. So infantry use of german cavallrymen was limited. A longer time ago i read in a german arms magazine, that german M 89 cavallry sword was no good weapon, No good fencing/ thrusting weapon, but also No cutting weapon ( See cutbased Accademic Fencing)
@@brittakriep2938 - It is better to have something than nothing at all.
@@MtRevDr : I have Asperger disorder, but a soldier usually can only use the Equipment given by gouvernement.
@@brittakriep2938 - For what I understand lots of American soldiers look for and buy extra gear such as war axe and fighting knife for war. And soldiers do make weapons on site for battle.
Bayonets are still used in the US Army today. It's part of basic training.
But without any real intent to use them. The British Army, on the other hand, has carried out bayonet charges within the past 10 years.
@@batteredwarrior - I completely disagree. Combat training is intent to use them.
Did he savor prattin' on a Patton pattern saber?
😀
what you anglocentric people always oversee is the spanish puerto seguro sword.
It's sort of surprising to me that the Army elected to make the sword at all. Most accounts of combat in the Southwest and punitive actions against Pancho Villa state swords were left in the arms room.
Soldiers instead choosing to rely on 1911's and rifles.
what about the sword?
+scholagladiatoria *The U.S. Cavalry Sword 1913 was designed by then-1LT. George Smith Patton in the wake o' the Games of the V. Olympiad.* Splitting the difference betwixt broadsword and rapier, the 1913 packed an easy-to-assemble hilt with a steel guard.
come on get on with it
Wait, what about Afghanistan in THIS century? Didn't anyone bring a knife?
But this looks like a fencing sabre..
I detest these 20th century cavalry swords from wherever they come from, in particular the British 1908 is a waste of steel.
The most effective armed blanche of the period was the lance in particular in the hands of British, Indian, and Turkish cavalry.
I always flinch when I hear anyone, even a historian speaking about 'world war one' (or 'world war two' for that matter).
Very, very sadly they are all gone now, but at one time I knew quite a few chaps who dug the Messines mines and any one of them would have slapped me across the face as a youngster when talking in that way about what they exclusively referred to as 'The Great War'. 'It wasn't a bloody cricket match!' pretty much summed up their opinion.