C. Anthony Burke of McLean is an author who has long been interested in the development of the World War I Cavalry sword, known as "the Patton saber." It was designed to use as a weapon rather than as an article of dress uniform. Burke's research is published in his book, "The Last Sword," released in November 2022.
The nonfiction work tells the story of the U.S. Model 1913 Cavalry Saber and the man who forced its development and adoption, General George S. Patton. At the time of the saber's development and adoption, Patton was a young lieutenant, fresh from competing in the modern pentathlon at the 1912 Olympic Games. Swordsmanship, or epee fencing, was one of the five events.
According to the book's publishing company, Pen and Sword Books, "The Last Sword” provides an illustrated overview of the history of cavalry swords and their employment on the battlefield from the end of the Renaissance through the Napoleonic Era, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, culminating with the Patton cavalry saber.”
Very few specialized works were written about these models, according to militaria expert Matt Easton, who reviewed the book, "The first half of the book is looking at the other swords that led to its development, and the second half … s looking more specifically at American swords."
Russ Lockwood from the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, writes “The transition from curved to straight cavalry swords gets full attention and ends with an analysis of Patton's design being accepted by the US Army and put into production just prior to WWI. Springfield Armory produced 24,799, and Landers, Frary & Clark produced 54,000 of the swords. (p 93) … While this book won't do much for the tabletop wargaming crowd, it proved an interesting adjunct to Patton's enthusiasm for cavalry.”
Burke said his book, first published by the UK by Pen and Sword Books, is now available from Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-last-cavalry-sword-c-anthony-burke/1141909681.