The Last Cavalry Sword: An Illustrated History of the Twilight Years of Cavalry Swords (UK) General George S. Patton and the US Army's Last Sword (US)

The Last Sword is a book that tells the story of the U.S. Model 1913 Cavalry Saber, designed by George S. Patton in 1912. It provides an illustrated overview of the history of cavalry swords and their employment on the battlefield, culminating with the Patton cavalry saber. Patton's belief in the value of horse-mounted cavalry and his design of the sword is described using his own words. The book is fully illustrated with images from various collections.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Last Sword is a captivating narrative that delves into the history of the final sword crafted by a major power for its army's use as a weapon, rather than a mere decorative item for dress uniforms. This remarkable sword was the U.S. Model 1913 Cavalry Saber, designed by the renowned George S. Patton, who at the time held the rank of lieutenant on the staff of the Army chief of staff. Patton's involvement in the modern pentathlon in Stockholm in 1912, where he placed fifth overall, showcased his exceptional suitability for designing the U.S. Army's last significant edged weapon.

The book offers an illustrated journey through the evolution of cavalry swords and their deployment on the battlefield, spanning from the end of the Renaissance to the Napoleonic Era, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and culminating with the Patton cavalry saber. It provides detailed descriptions of numerous famous cavalry charges and sheds light on Patton's unwavering belief in the value of horse-mounted cavalry and the significance of equipping his troops with the sword he meticulously designed.

Patton's unwavering advocacy for horse-mounted cavalry continued until the outbreak of the Second World War. While mechanized squadrons replaced conventional cavalry, some Model 1913 Cavalry Sabers were repurposed as fighting knives carried by GIs during the conflict. The book is adorned with an array of captivating images sourced from the collections of prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution Museum of American History, the Library of Congress, the General George S. Patton Museum, the National Museum of the U.S. Army, the Connecticut Historical Society, and private collections. Many of these images have never been published before, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

The Last Sword is a testament to Patton's remarkable legacy and his profound influence on military history. It serves as a valuable resource for enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in the evolution of warfare and the role of weapons in shaping the course of history.

Dimension: 246 x 172 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399081283