A cavalry saber is a heavy sword with a curved blade used by cavalrymen to cut down enemy infantry. The sword is built specifically for cavalry, which is evidenced by it's weight and shape. The weapon is curved to better allow for well aimed swings and slashes to the throat; also, when infantrymen put up their rifle in defense of the sword the rifles would often slide right off the curved blade, reducing the opponents' ability to protect himself at close range. The swords were heavy so that gravity would assist the cavalryman's own swinging power, greatly increasing the chance of a kill. Landed blows that did not kill could often maim an enemy for life. Image File history File links Information. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... It has been suggested that Cavalry saber be merged into this article or section. ... Swiss longsword, 15th or 16th century Look up Sword in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... French Republican Guard - May 8, 2005 celebrations Cavalry (from French cavalerie) were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback in combat. ... Infantry of the Royal Irish Rifles during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Infantry are soldiers who fight primarily on foot with small arms in organized military units, though they may be transported to the battlefield by horses, ships, automobiles, skis, or other means. ... A rifle is a firearm with a barrel that has a helical groove or pattern of grooves (rifling) cut into the barrel walls. ...

Sources

The Visual Dictionary of the Civil War Doring-Kindersly (DK) Books Copyright 2005 New York, NY