Confederate short sword, fake?

[OldSarge79]

This short sword is for sale locally and I am almost certain that it is a fake. I have taken two photos of the markings on the blade. I don't think they put a year on them. Can anyone verify?

 

[tbuckley]

Not an expert, but I would say fake. Looks like the South Carolina palmetto tree was put on with a chisel.

 

[johan_steele]

Screams fake to me.

 

[OldSarge79]

That's what I thought, but wanted to make sure. Thanks guys.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

If this being sold as authentic it would be properly identified as being fraudulent. If it is being sold with no claims whatsoever, then it is "Caveat Emptor". Personally I doubt if it was done to defraud, mostly because of the mixture of South Carolina and Virginia stampings. It would appear to me as if a re-enactor was just amusing himself because it is pure fantasy!
J.

 

[James N.]

This reminds me of an old saying by my collecting mentor, "There are 2 types of fakes: fakes and blatant fakes"; this is definitely a prime example of the latter!

 

[1867crete]

Yes I wouldn't pay more then the price of a reproduction. The Virginia motto and South Carolina seal..... hum.....?!

 

[UCVRelics]

YEP FAKE all the way.

 

[JOHN42768]

Even if the markings were correct, there is no way that they be that clearly marked

 

[Gandycreek]

Some one was feeling creative when they did that. LOL

 

[originalrebelyell]

No doubt a fake

 

[James N.]

Even if the markings were correct, there is no way that they be that clearly marked

Some one was feeling creative when they did that. LOL

Junk like this is still valuable to show, particularly as a caveat emptor or warning to those new to collecting; I've been surprised to see on the forum other blatant fakes I remember well from the 1970's I thought ANYBODY would recognize as fake but there are always newbies who might be burned on these now half-century old fakes.

 

[mofederal]

I would say it is fake, based on all of the things above. I am surprised that it did not bore the legend "India" at one time. It only takes so many years for a fake to become authentic., just from hard honest use.

 

[Jordan M.E. Williams]

This reminds me of an old saying by my collecting mentor, "There are 2 types of fakes: fakes and blatant fakes"; this is definitely a prime example of the latter!

This isn't just a blatant fake, this is a dog kicking, horse stealing, tire slashing s.o.b. fake! Lol

 

[Larryh86GT]

I would like to see a photo of the whole sword. (Just curious what it looks like)

 

[Lanyard Puller]

Mornin' Sarge,
F A K E..... the only thing missing on this thing is the zip code of the maker.

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

As everyone noted, a blatant fake. Incidentally, Palmetto Arsenal did put dates on some items, but it was 1852, not 1863. I would also like to see a photo of the whole sword to see if any original parts were used. It would be a pity if some fool screwed up a genuine sword with all this garbage.

 

[Larryh86GT]

As everyone noted, a blatant fake. Incidentally, Palmetto Arsenal did put dates on some items, but it was 1852, not 1863. I would also like to see a photo of the whole sword to see if any original parts were used. It would be a pity if some fool screwed up a genuine sword with all this garbage.

My thoughts also. FAKE marks but what does the sword itself look like?

 

[Patrick H]

Please show the entire sword, if you can.

 

[OldSarge79]

Unfortunately the sword was sold yesterday at a gun auction and those were the only photos I had. I did notice that the blade was not perfectly centered into the hand guard. Almost, but not quite. I did talk to the auction manager before the auction began and actually showed him a copy of the conversation on this thread. He agreed to announce when it came up for bidding that there was concern about its authenticity, which was done. Nevertheless, the bidding rose with gusto, and at one point, the auction manager caught my eye with a, "well, they didn't believe us" look. Anyway, someone ended up paying $600 for it. My conscience is clear.