US Army Model 1902 Infantry Officer’s Saber – Universal Swords

This U.S. Army Model 1902 Infantry Officers Dress Saber has an unsharpened blade of 1065 high carbon steel which is etched on both sides in ornamental scrollwork. Unlike versions of this sword which have blades of stainless steel, this one is battle-ready and functional with its tempered, high carbon steel blade and solid hilt mounting. The mirror polished hilt is nickel plated brass and the grip is faux-ebony. The scabbard is nickel plated steel and is fitted with a pair of steel hanging rings.

The M1902 is the current model of sword worn for ceremonial purposes by Infantry Officers in the US Army. Though often seen in parade and ceremony, the sword is often given as a gift to newly commissioned officers or a farewell gift to retiring personnel. The sword is also sometimes gifted from one officer to another during a change of command.

The M1902 was the culmination of more than a quarter of a century of development and study between Henry V Allien & Company and John Cunningham Kelton – an Army Adjutant General who was an expert swordsman. In time, Allien created several prototypes based on European models to General Kelton, who made the recommendation to lessen the curve of one of the sabers to improve its thrusting ability.

Early models had a darkly stained grip of wood, though sometimes horn was used. Later models substituted this organic material component for bakelite – an early plastic.