Sabre

The sabre, a flat, slightly curved blade, originating from a sword with only one sharp edge.   It is a very effective weapon when light cavalry charges, as its curve is ideal for cutting while running past.  It has always been a weapon of choice in the nomadic peoples: Hungarians, Turks, Avar, Huns, Arabs. Europe got the weapon during the Crusades between the 12th and 14thcenturies.  In the late 18th century, when military cavalry developed all over European countries, sabre was introduced as the principal armament of the best of the European cavalry who were used for line-breaking charges – the hussars. But when they were dissolved, sabre was no longer in use. However, it has remained as a sign of an army officer’s honour and dignity. Once the principal charging weapon, it has become a decoration which goes along nicely with a Full Dress Uniform.  On the Serbian army officer’s sabre there are word engraved, Do not draw me without a good reason..

ART

Marko’s SabresMarko Kraljević Recognises His Father’s Sabre.

HISTORY

The sabre came from the east to the Balkans. The most reputable ones were those made in Turkey, but the unattainable ones were those of Damascus (Sirya). The blade, the sabre’s soul, was made of a special Damascus steel. Manufacturing technique of such a hard steel blade, the Damascus swordsmiths kept as a sworn secret. Sabres were also named by the places they were made: the Damascene, the Misr (Egypt), the Isfahan (Persia)), the Hungarian, the Aleman, the German, the overseas one, the Venetian ….