Help Identifying Cavalry Saber Markings?

[jameslsutter]

I just inherited a pattern 1796 light cavalry saber from my grandfather, which family legend says was used in the Civil War, and I was hoping someone could help me identify/decipher the markings on it. At the moment, all we know about it is that it *may* have been carried by a relative in the Missouri Militia, and an "1832" on the back of the blade's base makes us think it was forged then. Other markings include:

J. M. VII. 3. 42. -- this is engraved on both the hilt and the scabbard near the hilt. The 3 is somewhat smaller than the letters, and the 42 is much smaller.

7. P.C. 10. -- this is engraved on the lip of the scabbard, so it's hidden when the sword's sheathed.

&H (or possibly &K) -- this is partially worn away and engraved in very tiny print beneath the 1832 on the back of the blade where it meets the hilt.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks so much!

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Welcome to CivilWarTalk.

 

[reading48]

Hello and Greetings from Penna.

Just sit back and wait a bit, I'm sure someone here will come to your assistance....

 

[James N.]

I just inherited a pattern 1796 light cavalry saber from my grandfather, which family legend says was used in the Civil War, and I was hoping someone could help me identify/decipher the markings on it. At the moment, all we know about it is that it *may* have been carried by a relative in the Missouri Militia, and an "1832" on the back of the blade's base makes us think it was forged then. Other markings include:

J. M. VII. 3. 42. -- this is engraved on both the hilt and the scabbard near the hilt. The 3 is somewhat smaller than the letters, and the 42 is much smaller.

7. P.C. 10. -- this is engraved on the lip of the scabbard, so it's hidden when the sword's sheathed.

&H (or possibly &K) -- this is partially worn away and engraved in very tiny print beneath the 1832 on the back of the blade where it meets the hilt.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks so much!

Pictures, pictures, pictures! The 1796 was copied by many countries, and was the basis for later identifiable designs like the so-called Blucher sabel of Germanic nations until after WWI. The S&K may stand for Schnitzer & Kirschbaum, a principal Solingen manufacturer of many nineteenth century blades. It's not difficult to upload photos to the site, and without them, it's all mere speculation.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Glen_C]

Just spitballing but Jager Mounted 7th Battalion 3rd Regiment Weapon 42

WWI markings on a possibly much earlier sword. The spine should show a crown over a letter over a number which will be the original acceptance date. Some of them marked numerous times. The 7 PC 10 probably also relating to the battalion and rack number, something like that.

I am out of my depth but some over at http://www.swordforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?11-Antique-amp-Military-Sword-Forum have it down to a science.

Cheers

GC