CS 1908 Indian Cavalry Saber?

I have never handled one. I do know that they are still widely available elsewhere at a typical rate of $220, there abouts. Military Heritage sells a 1908 and the officer 1912. Stromlo may be able to get a similar 1908 at a better price, I know he lists a 1912 officer.

I have the Windlass Patton and have put it right through a hollow core door on several occasions. Some seem sceptical of their worth but was well worth the $129 at the time. I see that retail at MSRP going for $169. I'll plan on a telephone book puncture picture sometime soon. The Sarco Patton is inferior but cheaper.

Just for a reality check and these have been mentioned before at handy prices are the quite common and cheap period Spanish swords. Namely the Puerto-Seguro 1907 pattern
www.antiquefirearms.com/pages/820.htm

That one is actually a deal of the day but they surface frequently.

Cheers

Hotspur; just some options

I own examples of the three swords that have been discussed here, except my "Indian" P1908 is not the CS version. If I had to choose one of the three to actually use in combat, I'd without reservation choose the Spanish M1907, as much I as I love my original "Patton" and my "Indian" P1908. But, as far as quality, handling and versatility in the thrust and cut, it is head and shoulders beyond the other two IMHO. When the edge is sharp it becomes an excellent cutter. And, as Glen has stated, they can still be found in very nice condition and with a nice scabbard, at a reasonably low price.

The British 1908 was a radical resolution of the cavalry arguement as to whether the thrust of cut was superior: the thrust won out is just about everybody's doctrine. But the 1908 is practically a rapier. There isn't much blade left for percussive striking at all.

If you are a sport fencer the 1908 most looks and feels like its Olympic counter part.

The Peurto Seguro is one of the most accesible of the pre WWI sabers. Still can find them for under $300. I can't think of any other that goes that inexpensively. (And the continued decline of the dollar is making it tough to leave home to shop. Even the Canadian Dollar is just about equal to the USD now...)

The Patton 1913 is a better general purpose sword, even though Patton proposed it as a thrusting rapier.

The British 1896 Cav Saber is a more traditional piece: have one coming in the mail next week, I hope.

French 1896s came in curved and straight versions. I have an 1882 French export saber that is nifty. Hope to get the former eventually. The German light saber is a evolution of the British 1796 - but more elegant with time.

Bottom line: 1908 is a bargain and a nice toy. As others have recommended you have options if you want something with more blade presence.

Someone mentioned CS has problems. There have been complaints of bad swords slipping thru their processing so that you could get a warped bladed sword.

I own five CS products and have had no issues - and they are all routinely drilled with.

Anybody know who designed the 1908 saber? I think I remember being on a website once where the designer was quoted as to his thinking about why he thought it was such a great design. Now I cant find the website.

The "Indian" sword (it is not a saber) is a somewhat smaller and lighter version of the British 1908 cavalry 'troopers'' sword; the 1912 variation having been designated for officers.

I had, for many years, a 1908 Wilkie I adored - mainly for the fact that it had been arsenal sharpened during the early months of wwi.

It cut those big cardboard tubes that rolls of carpet come on like nobody's business and did as good a job on rolled up, soaking wet beach mats as any katana.

David and Mark Hawkins often have authentic 1908s @ www.thelanesarmoury.co.uk/ but mostly by English makers other than H. Wilkenson.

For a MUCH better sword at an only slightly higher price, try the current issue Canadian Cav sword from WKC @ www.militarysabers.com/canadian/cavalry-officer-sword.html

Hm, if those are period originals that's a good deal.

M.

What the hell became of the four-way review of the original 1908, a 1912, and the CS replicas? It seems to have vanished from the web?