M1907 Puerto Seguro Cavalry Sword

[aussiesoldier]

A  wonderful cavalry sword and one of my favourite possessions.

By the early 20th century, it was recognized that cavalry sabres were more effective as thrusting weapons rather than cutting weapons, and the cavalry sabre designs of all the major powers reflected this. The M1907 Puerto-Seguro sword (named after his designer Captain Luis de Carvajal, Marquis of Puerto-Seguro) was the last combat sword issued to the Spanish cavalry. Originally designed in 1907 it did not enter production until 1918. It served not only in the North of Africa, but also in the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). There are action reports that show it was put into use in some charges and pursuits, to great effect. As late as 1930, Spanish cavalry regulations put every stress in getting as close as possible to the enemy to engage a sword fighting. 

The Spanish M-1907 cavalry sabre was widely used in the 1920s Morocco campaign, and by both sides in the Spanish Civil War. 

It features the classic Spanish chequered hardwood handle secured by two metal rivets, sports the familiar large, sweeping "basket" hilt, and boasts a long blade with a wide fuller for almost its entire length. The sabre carries legible serial numbers (19954) marked at the ricasso, and is stamped "ARTILLERIA / NACIONAL" at the reverse ricasso, along with the faint, barely legible marking, "TOLEDO". The sword was made during the reign of Alfonso XIII, that is, at some moment between 1907 and 1931, and probably in the mid-1920’s. 

Some argue that this is the genesis sword of the British P1908 and the Patton sword but previous French swords displayed essentially the same design features, The tide had turned in favour of thrust over slash and would never go back.

[aussiesoldier]

Regarding Spanish cavalry, the last massive charge was held in July 23rd, 1921, when the 10th Alcantara Regiment (Cazadores a caballo) was ordered to cover a disastrous retreat of demoralized Spanish infantry, some in ambulances, near Mount Arruit in Morocco, in a narrow valley while crossing the Igan River. The 10^th were outnumbered by the Kabilian Moors' forces, light infantry but relatively well armed, including some machine gun sections, making good use of their well-known field for cover.

Continuous charges cleared one after another of the commanding heights . Of the 226 men who had started the third day started the day, only 46 survived till sunset.  These repeated charges with sword in hand led to the ultimate destruction of the Regiment; of some 461 men, only 80 managed to survive these  fifteen days of hard fighting this withdrawal.  However, their mission of the day was accomplished and the Spanish retreating forces reached their destination.

The sword involved was mainly the M1907 Puerto-Seguro.

 

[Peter Sachse]

Mine does not have the crossed swords and crown on the guard like I’ve seen on some of the others. The ricasso shows Artilleria National on one side and the numbers 12514 on the other. Black painted scabbard. It’s in good condition with a nicked up blade and evidently sharpened more than once. No way to be sure if that was due to kids abusing it in the backyard or not. Any ideas on the time of manufacture?