Cavalry Saber Identifying Marks INFO

[scooter748driver]

I would agree that a sword with a makers mark would be more desirable than one without. Him being an officer you will likely want to get an officer's sword of whichever model you choose (1840 or 1860). With him mustering out in 1864 he may have had a Model 1860 by then as a lot of cavalry units changed out their 1840 for the lighter 1860s. Ideally if you could find any record of such a change int he unit history that'd be great! I believe there were more Model 1860 officer's sword than for the 1840 so that might keep the price lower, but an officer's sword of either type will be more than the enlisted counterpart.

If you find one you're interested in be sure to ask here and we can chime in to help with the decision if you'd like. Good luck!

 

[bayonet]

I'd vote for the 1840 model assuming we're dealing with swords in comparable condition. I believe there are fewer of them out there so perhaps a better investment. Also, more likely that it was used in the Civil War and perhaps even in the Mexican War. Grab one with a scabbard if possible. It really helps the value. Also, also, A maker marked sword would beat out an unmarked one. All IMO.

I don't know but being 45 years old he might of went for the "light" M1860 over the heavy M1840

 

[Sundance]

KathrynP, don't answer if you find this intrusive, but I was wondering if you've moved ahead on procuring a sword/sabre. I was enjoying this thread and was sorry to see it go dormant.

 

[Badgercwcollector]

This sword belonged to Benjamin Oram 11th Ill. CAV. CO.C Sgt. 1864 Sword maker is Emerson Silver Trenton NJ . His initials are on the handle as well as C 11 cav. The number 51 I was told was a rack number . If you are interested I am going to start selling my collection. If interested I have pictures on Find a Grave web site Memorial id # 134616567.

 

[R. Porter]

That scabbard is a model 1906.

 

[Badgercwcollector]

That scabbard is a model 1906.

I bought it 30 yrs ago with no knowledge . Paid $75 for it.

 

[Badgercwcollector]

I bought it 30 yrs ago with no knowledge . Paid $75 for it.

Any ideas on the sword knot that came with it ??

 

[Robert Dayton Mull]

I'm relatively new to Civil war history as much of my family dates to Revolutionary war but going through old family photos, came across one of Col Lewis L.M. Dayton. I have attached that photo plus several of an old sword that I inherited. Might this be his Saber? Any thoughts are appreciated. Dayton was Sherman's aide de camp

 

[bayonet]

I'm relatively new to Civil war history as much of my family dates to Revolutionary war but going through old family photos, came across one of Col Lewis L.M. Dayton. I have attached that photo plus several of an old sword that I inherited. Might this be his Saber? Any thoughts are appreciated. Dayton was Sherman's aide de camp

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That sword looks to be of the Federal Time period after the Revolution with it's Eagle head.

 

[Cavalier]

@Robert Dayton Mull There is a guy named Matt Easton who operates a website called Scholaragladitoria in England that is very knowledgeable and maybe could help you. There is also a site called Sword Buyers Guide (forums), that could be helpful.

Good luck.with.you quest! I'm as curious as you are.

John

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

As Bayonet noted, your sword is what is known as an eagle head-pommel, slot hilted saber dated to the War of 1812 period. It is unlikely Col Dayton carried it during the CW, but it is possible if it was a heritage weapon from one of his ancestors.

 

[Robert Dayton Mull]

Thank you Richard. I have great detail to the Revolution with both General Philip Schuyler and General Elijah Dayton being Uncles, but until the photo of Col Dayton, had little knowledge of Civil War links. I need to dig into the 1812 realm. Thanks for the input.

 

[KathrynP]

KathrynP, don't answer if you find this intrusive, but I was wondering if you've moved ahead on procuring a sword/sabre. I was enjoying this thread and was sorry to see it go dormant.

I am going to sometime in the future. I want to try and continue my hunt for the original when my father and I go on our ancestry road trip in April. I also have acquired a large number of historical family documents and the excitement of it all has consumed my every waking moment. I'll post updates soon.

 

[limberbox]

If it helps any, Kathryn P, Ken Bauman's Arming the Suckers (Morningside 1989) 65-67 shows four to nine times as many model 1840 Cavalry sabers (aka Dragoon) as model 1860 Light Cavalry sabers in the 15th Illinois Cavalry all the way through 1864:

Quarter m. 1840 m.1860
1Q '63 476 46
2Q '63 208 55
4Q '63 435 113
1Q '64 398 94
2Q '64 378 115
3Q '64 302 179

The numbers bounce around some because not all companies reported (or reports survived) in all quarters. Unfortunately, Baumann did not list the number of companies reporting/found each quarter. There were 12 companies in a Union cavalry regiment.

The State Archives in Springfield may have ordnance receipts, invoices and company reports, order books, muster rolls, etc. for the 15th as well as unpublished memoirs and correspondence concerning it if you want to dig deeper.

 

[limberbox]

If it helps any, Kathryn P, Ken Bauman's Arming the Suckers (Morningside 1989) 65-67 shows four to nine times as many model 1840 Cavalry sabers (aka Dragoon) as model 1860 Light Cavalry sabers in the 15th Illinois Cavalry all the way through 1864:

Quarter m. 1840 m.1860
1Q '63 476 46
2Q '63 208 55
4Q '63 435 113
1Q '64 398 94
2Q '64 378 115
3Q '64 302 179

The numbers bounce around some because not all companies reported (or reports survived) in all quarters. Unfortunately, Baumann did not list the number of companies reporting/found each quarter. There were 12 companies in a Union cavalry regiment.

The State Archives in Springfield may have ordnance receipts, invoices and company reports, order books, muster rolls, etc. for the 15th as well as unpublished memoirs and correspondence concerning it if you want to dig deeper.

Spacing flubbed when I posted the original but the quote immediately above may retain the spacing.

 

[limberbox]

Spacing flubbed when I posted the original but the quote immediately above may retain the spacing.

Nope. That didn't work either. However, I think you can follow it.