ConfederateCanuck
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2018
- Location
- Canad-istan
Hi everyone.
I bought this sword from a well-known dealer 1.5 years ago. It's made by D.J. Millard, dated 1862, with C.E.W. as the inspectors mark (blade and scabbard). Of all the manufacturers of the 1860 Cavalry sabre, Millard made the smallest number...only 10,000.
There was no "story" to this particular sword. I bought it cuz it was the right quality at an affordable price point for me.
The sabre has the initials BW scratched into it (looks like it was done with the tip of a pocket knife...what do you think?). At first I thought the initials were unsightly...and I thought who would do that to their sword?...but it was a nice sword nonetheless so I bought it. Now I am wondering if people can do their magic and tell me how many US Cavalry men had those initials. Probably several hundred? Hopefully a lot less.
Was it common for cavalry men to scratch in their initials on their sword? I doubt an officer would, but perhaps the troopers.
I'm not making a big deal about this sword and I know I won't ever identify the owner... but I am just curious what information is out there, and what units that BW might have belonged to.
Does anyone have any information to share about the inspector C.E.W.? For example, can his inspection mark be used to narrow down which theatre of the war this sword might have been carried in?
Here's a few pics of the relevant markings only (no pic of the overall sword but if people ask, then the pics shall be given...we all aim to please here on the Forums! ).
Looking forward to your replies...
I bought this sword from a well-known dealer 1.5 years ago. It's made by D.J. Millard, dated 1862, with C.E.W. as the inspectors mark (blade and scabbard). Of all the manufacturers of the 1860 Cavalry sabre, Millard made the smallest number...only 10,000.
There was no "story" to this particular sword. I bought it cuz it was the right quality at an affordable price point for me.
The sabre has the initials BW scratched into it (looks like it was done with the tip of a pocket knife...what do you think?). At first I thought the initials were unsightly...and I thought who would do that to their sword?...but it was a nice sword nonetheless so I bought it. Now I am wondering if people can do their magic and tell me how many US Cavalry men had those initials. Probably several hundred? Hopefully a lot less.
Was it common for cavalry men to scratch in their initials on their sword? I doubt an officer would, but perhaps the troopers.
I'm not making a big deal about this sword and I know I won't ever identify the owner... but I am just curious what information is out there, and what units that BW might have belonged to.
Does anyone have any information to share about the inspector C.E.W.? For example, can his inspection mark be used to narrow down which theatre of the war this sword might have been carried in?
Here's a few pics of the relevant markings only (no pic of the overall sword but if people ask, then the pics shall be given...we all aim to please here on the Forums! ).
Looking forward to your replies...