Cavalry saber hilt

[rebed19th]

I am looking for the answer as to why the hilt on this saber is in a tilted in forward position. I believe it was done when manufactured because it is a nice clean shape to it. Why was this done, was it custom made to order, or was it done after manufacturing and done because the cav soldier found it more comfortable to hold on with his thumb forward. It is dated 1862 and Mfg by the Providence tool Co. It has RPB stamped on it which is for Robert P Barry, he was at the Co from 1860-1865, There were 5000 made in 1862 so it is what I consider a rarer piece. Not an Ames or Tiffany but still a nice piece.

 

[UCVRelics]

Nice sword. There has always been several schools of thought on this bend. First it was done by the cavalryman and not when made. It was done to give the cavalryman a better grip as you stated and to keep from hanging up on stuff and there has been speculation that the bend was able to catch your enemies sword blade and flip it from his grip.

 

[rebed19th]

Any advantage you can get is a plus, makes sense. I am guessing that it was done by a blacksmith because the fold does not have any creases to it, whatever the softening temperature is to fold brass would have had to have been done someone who was very skilled. Maybe the sword was disassembled prior to the fold added to it then put back together so not to damage the blade leather handle, or wire braiding.

 

[JOHN42768]

Very nice sword

 

[WJC]

Beautiful saber! Thanks for sharing the photos!

 

[Package4]

Another suggestion was that it was easier to rest the thumb on a downwards angle than when it was straight at a 90 degree, this was when the soldier, officer or trooper was on the ground. Many 1850 infantry officer's swords have the same downward bend and I do believe it was for comfort. Nice piece!

 

[zburkett]

Nice sword. Thanks for posting the picture. Your comment did bring up a question I sure someone has the answer too. Did Tiffany make service swords or just presentation swords?

 

[UCVRelics]

Did Tiffany make service swords or just presentation swords?

They also made Cavalry swords.

 

[zburkett]

Thanks.

 

[Package4]

Nice sword. Thanks for posting the picture. Your comment did bring up a question I sure someone has the answer too. Did Tiffany make service swords or just presentation swords?

I may be wrong here but IIRC, Tiffany did not make any swords or sabers, but assembled, stamped and sold them. They were made from imported pieces.

They also sold an iron hilted cav saber.....