It was in the middle of 18th to 19th century that the fencing with the saber was considered fashionable. European commanders, notably the French, have relied upon the slashing power of sabers for the heavy and light cavalry. Sword masters disagreed amongst each other on the merits of the saber for duels. British masters like George Roland in 19th century considered it as a weaker sword compared to foil. The modern day saber for fencing survived largely due to favorable opinions about it and martial art techniques advocated by Italian masters.
Use of sabers
The sabers were used as slashing weapon and intended for the cavalry. Napoleon Bonaparte won his battles through strategic shock and routing tactics carried out by mounted, saber-wielding soldiers. Sabers were also distributed to the warring Confederates and Union forces during the American civil war in later half of 19th century. They were continued to be used for the cavalry in First World War.
The development in arms technology brought firearms to the battlefield. The Napoleonic shock and routing tactics became useless in the face of revolvers, heavy artillery, and bullets. Sabers were promptly discarded, and the horse mounted cavalry was replaced with armored tanks. Saber was used in some European governments in dispersing crowd, especially in violent civilian street protests in 20th century. This brutal, bloody dispersion was later on outlawed and the saber was replaced with wooden batons, tear gas, and rubber bullets.
Ceremonial Saber
As sabers began to wane in function in the battlefield, some countries adopted sabers as ceremonial swords for their Armed Forces. The American army is notable in this regard. Its ranks of military officers in the Navy, Cost Guard, and Marine officers are fitted with dress or ceremonial sabers. Some richly embellished swords are given to distinguished military officers for noteworthy accomplishments.
Modern Saber
Today, you can still enjoy sword fighting using sabers. In fact, this sword is now recognized as one of three fencing rapiers used in many local and international sporting events. For starters, you can continue on reading the related articles Fencing Rapiers and Fencing Saber for more information.
On the other hand, you can also take advantage of lucrative antique market by trading or collecting genuine antique European and American sabers. There are also many other collectible sabers that you can choose from: Napoleonic swords, French sabers, and Japanese cavalry swords. Find more information by reading on the list of related articles below.
