Klingenthal Cavalry Saber

[R. Porter]

Blade is 35" long. Hilt/Guard go together (very tight) so no sign of rehilting at top of pommel. It's almost like a fabric and not a cord, it's aged for sure and not done recent. Looked inside the scabbard with a light and don't see anything unusual. Wonder if whoever owned it in the past did it because when you carry it by hand that's where you carry it between the 2 rings. So he added it himself professionally. 1 large fuller all the way down almost and 1 very smaller one at the top 1/3 way down ending 1/3 before the tip.

Sounds like a cavalry blade. Cavalry swords showed up on officers in other branches of the army often, you can see it in photographs. 35 inches is a bit long for wearing on a ship, so that cord wrap probably doesn't imply naval use. There's a branch missing on the hilt which must have taken some effort, but why? I would say you have an officer's sword that was actually used by an officer on campaign but I couldn't say what army or when. That wrapping on the scabbard may prove to be the decisive clue.

 

[JackADriscoll]

Well bidding the lowest amount possible strikes again in my favor (I think). Not the first time others past something by for possibly being unsure and my grabbing it. Looking in the Civil War Army Swords by Thillmann on page 28 graph shows the markings on Crown B in a circle to be 1845 onward which is stamped on the blade here. Klingenthal also clearly marked on top spine of the blade. I was worried there was no US or E Pluribus Unum etched in the blade but there are examples in the book of some blades not having those markings. So anyone with his book on Cavalry & Artillery Sabers can you see if this sword is in there? It's one thing to spend $400 on a Sword but over $400 on that book I'd be toast with the wife as in burnt toast. Company said they may do a reprint bringing the cost way down. It's interesting that the etching is only on one side of the scabbard and has that tight type fabric I have never seen before between the scabbard rings.View attachment 508057View attachment 508058View attachment 508059View attachment 508060View attachment 508061View attachment 508062View attachment 508063View attachment 508064View attachment 508066

Here's the throat and the drag for the 1889 I mentioned

 

[bayonet]

Here's the throat and the drag for the 1889 I mentioned

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You had me worried for a moment there. Itching is different, no small screws holding that metal part to the scabbard, ring supports are different, but the drag is similar. I'll just go with unknown and leave it at that.

 

[bayonet]

Here's the throat and the drag for the 1889 I mentioned

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Quick question is that etching/engraving on both sides of the scabbard?

 

[JackADriscoll]

Quick question is that etching/engraving on both sides of the scabbard?

Very minimal

 

[R. Porter]

But with that sword with the dragon medallion on the guard you've put us back in Asia, China to be specific. I know there has been discussion about these but I'm not familiar enough to provide the current consensus on what they are. I think they are European swords made for the Chinese military in the late 19th century, but I'm by no means positive.

Perhaps your sword has a similar background; that would make it rare I believe.

 

[R. Porter]

An additional thought, the sword with the dragon medallion, from what I can see, looks similar to a German naval officer's sword. I believe that I've only seen that medallion on German cavalry trooper's swords. Your sword may be a cavalry officer's sword from the Chinese military or European military stationed in China during the late 19th century. Very interesting!

 

[JackADriscoll]

But with that sword with the dragon medallion on the guard you've put us back in Asia, China to be specific. I know there has been discussion about these but I'm not familiar enough to provide the current consensus on what they are. I think they are European swords made for the Chinese military in the late 19th century, but I'm by no means positive.

Perhaps your sword has a similar background; that would make it rare I believe.

Oh I've got mine identified i was just reflecting on similarities between my and bayonets scabbard pieces

 

[bayonet]

Well this is interesting a 16 inch long piece of thin wood like balsa wood just out from inside the scabbard WTH!!! It looks like there maybe more one 1 inside in there. Hard to tell even with a light. Still I see no repair anywhere on the outside of the scabbard. Also just found a match on the drag of a brass scabbard with similar etchings and page 122 in Thillmann's Civil War Army Swords. Wish I had the Cavalry book, come on do a reprint please!

 

[R. Porter]

Well this is interesting a 16 inch long piece of thin wood like balsa wood just out from inside the scabbard WTH!!! It looks like there maybe more one 1 inside in there. Hard to tell even with a light. Still I see no repair anywhere on the outside of the scabbard. Also just found a match on the drag of a brass scabbard with similar etchings and page 122 in Thillmann's Civil War Army Swords. Wish I had the Cavalry book, come on do a reprint please!View attachment 509679

I think the wood pieces inside the scabbard are normal, but I've forgotten the details. I'm away from my sword books right now. I'll check when I get back to them in a few days if someone else doesn't post about it before then.

 

[Glen_C]

Yes, scabbard liners were/are real.

 

[RetiredCanuck]

Don't let Richard Sharpe of the 95th see this or he will be jealous.

 

[TallTallMan]

Klingenthal sounds like a bat'leth.

 

[bayonet]

Another "expert collector" looked at it and things the fabric scabbard covering maybe covering an inscription (or maybe not) that the new owner wanted covered.