In service 'acceptable' modifications to military Sabres.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

I've often thought it interesting that some military sabres, particularly of the later 19thC seem to have 'field' modifications while others don't.

The first that springs to mind is edgeless sabres (of the cavalry stabbing variety) being sharpened.
Presumably if you are in a regiment that is issued with a 'point only' sabre then your entire training with that sword would avoid the need to slash with it?
Obviously this only relates to those swords made in the 'traditional' shape and not the very late ones with the double back spine that simply couldn't be sharpened.

Also, hilt blackening/painting. I've seen sabres where this is apparently a service life mod.
Wouldn't the painted ones stand out and get you reprimanded?
Was it just a 'field' mod?
Rust proofing?

Any others? Any thoughts?

Interesting subject Gene! and I cant believe no answers.
Which kind of sabres are you referring to, the M1908 or US M1914 Patton?
The British 1908 was used in WWI, often referred to as the 'Allenby sword' for the General in command in the Middle East.....the US M1914 Patton was never used in combat. I never heard of any modifications on these, which were mounted on the saddles, as were the M1899 and 1890 swords.

The swords before that were cut and thrust sabres in most cases, but Im not sure what field modifications you mean and when.....but I see what you mean by individuals altering weapons and what repurcussions might result.
The only double back spine swords I can think of were the 'dumbbell' cross section British infantry officers swords of 1895.

Since in most cases by later 19th c. swords were virtually obsolete in regulation military in US and European cases, and issue weapons to other ranks, it seems unlikely for modifications to have been done unless by order. For the most part, other ranks swords were seldom maintained, let alone modified, and training was only nominal in many cases in the US. In the American Civil War, there were few injuries inflicted by the usually dull swords, and those recorded were usually blunt force trauma rather than cuts.

In the case of painting/japanning, this would have most likely I think been the result of an order to have this done with weapons in an armoury or issued weapons in stores. Most other ranks would not have taken this kind of initiative. When Pershing rode into Mexico after Villa, most of the troopers threw thier swords into the desert as frustrating encumbrances.

Ive probably just asked more questions than giving any answers, but think its an interesting subject and would be good to discuss.

All the best,
Jim