Transcriber’s Note:
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
LESSONS
in
SABRE, SINGLESTICK,
SABRE & BAYONET,
and
SWORD FEATS;
or,
HOW TO USE A CUT-AND-THRUST SWORD.
ERRATUM.
| PAGE | LINE | |
|---|---|---|
| 67 | 9 | In place of “hand should be guarded,” |
| Read “head should be guarded.” |
PREFACE.
In the pages of this Manual an attempt is madeto give full and practical instruction in Sabreand Singlestick Play, and in the use of Sabreagainst Bayonet, and also to explain the course ofpractice that is necessary for those who wish toperform the difficult sword feats which require atonce strength and lightness of hand. How far Ihave succeeded in what I have sought to do it willbe for the readers of these pages to judge; but Imay perhaps be permitted to say that the bookwhich I now venture to offer to the public is theresult of experience in the use of arms extendingover an unusually long period, and that before Ibegan to teach, some twenty years ago, I was sofortunate as to be trained by teachers of thehighest skill. I learnt fencing from the lateM. Prevost, Fencing-Master to H.R.H. the Princeof Wales, and to the Royal Family of France, and,as pupil and assistant, practised for many yearswith this admirable master of the small sword,who in his prime had been certainly one of the bestvifencers, perhaps the best, fencer in Paris. To makeme as thorough a proficient with the weapon ashe was himself, my esteemed friend spared nopains. In the use of the sabre and singlestick Iwas first trained by Mr. Platts, who had learntfrom the celebrated Bushman his system of broadswordplay. I thus had the advantage of learningfrom those best qualified to teach; but when, afterno short or easy period of probation, I became inmy turn a