The Salute is a ceremony usually performed by two sabre players previous
to making an assault. It is a mark of respect to those looking on, and
an act of courtesy to each other.
Both should move together, and keep correct time throughout its
performance.
There is no established method, but the following is that generally
adopted by the best sabre players I know.
The two adversaries, facing each other in the first position, without
wearing masks, which should be laid on the floor on their left, go
smartly on guard, as shown in Plate II., and having beat twice on each
other’s blades, return to the first position.
Both bring the hilt to the mouth, the point of the thumb level with the
lower lip, sword upright, and edge to the left. This is called “Recover
swords.” Then turning the face and directing the eyes to the left,
slowly and gracefully extend the arm and the sword in the same direction
until the point is level with the centre of the face and arm nearly
straight, hand in quarte, and as high as the shoulder.
After a short pause both again recover swords, and, turning the face to
the right, extend the hand in a similar manner to the right. Hand in
tierce.
From there they recover swords, and, falling on guard, beat a double
attack with the right foot (a beat with the heel and one with the flat
of the foot in rapid succession). Then, bringing the left foot up to the
right, recover swords, and lower the hand and sword slowly towards the
right hip. Arm straight, palm down, and edge to the right.