The Model 1913 Cavalry Sword, commonly referred to as the Patton Saber, was a cavalry sword designed for the U.S. Army by Second Lieutenant (later General) George S. Patton Jr. in 1913. Patton suggested the revision from a curved cutting sword to a straight thrusting sword style of attack, following his extensive training in France.[1]
It had a large, basket-shaped hilt mounting a straight, double-edged, thrusting blade designed for use by light cavalry. Although officially designated a saber, it lacks the curved edge typical of many models of saber.
This weapon, the last sword issued to U.S. cavalry, was never used as intended. At the beginning of U.S. involvement in World War I, several American cavalry units armed with sabers were sent to the front, but they were held back. The character of war had changed, making horse-mounted troops easy prey for enemy troops equipped with Gewehr 98 rifles and Maschinengewehr 08 machine guns. Cavalrymen who saw combat did so dismounted, using their horses only to travel, similar to mounted infantry.