Edged Wpns Millard M1860 sword

[hink441]

Hi
I just obtained this D. J Millard made sword. My sword has no inspector's marks or a date. The scabbard is also unmarked. It doesn't appear to have ever been marked. I have not seen an unmarked Millard sword before, does anybody have information on this sword? Thanks for looking.

Chris

 

[UCVRelics]

Millard had a single contract for 10,000 swords in the 1861 1862 time frame and I'm going to say that this one did not get inspected or it did but was not excepted. Millards are a kind rare sword due to the small amount made.

 

[hink441]

Thank you for your comment.

Did Millard actually make swords in 1861? I have only seen his swords from 1862.

 

[UCVRelics]

Thank you for your comment.

Did Millard actually make swords in 1861? I have only seen his swords from 1862.

Yes, as his contract was signed in mid 61 and they went into production but non were inspected and accepted until early 62. I have seen a very few with an 1861 date and they bring a premium.

 

[bobinwmass]

Information I have (yes, from Thillmann's book on cavalry and artillery sabers) says Millard's contract from the Ordnance Department for 10,000 sabers was dated December 13, 1861, and Millard confirmed acceptance within the next 2 days. The contract stipulated that the first 500 sabers would be delivered in 90 days, and then 2000 a month after that. On February 19, 1862, in response to the Ordnance Department, he wrote that he was engaged in employing the necessary people, building facilities, and buying machinery. Apparently in order to meet the 90 day deadline he had to buy the first 500 sabers from another manufacturer. The Ordnance Department did call in his contract by early May 1862 due to Millard's difficulty meeting the strict deadlines, but did end up give him an extended time frame for the saber deliveries, lowering his contract price from $8.50 to $7.00 per saber. Apparently it is not known how those first 500 sabers were marked, just that the Ordnance Department notes they were of American manufacture.

 

[Bonedaddy]

Great looking old sword. I like it!! Leave it as is and don't attempt to clean it. Enjoy.

 

[bobinwmass]

Do you think it possible that the saber did have the proper markings which may have been removed by someone in the past? Millard sabers typically have the 1862 date just above the blade washer. Enlarging your photo above it looks the upper loop of a "2" can still be seen.

 

[UCVRelics]

Do you think it possible that the saber did have the proper markings

If it did have the blade inspectors marking would it not also have the pommel stamps as the Millards below?

photos courtesy of H Ridgeway

 

[toot]

a beauty, I rely like it.

 

[Patrick H]

I don't know if it's a result of your camera angles, but the blade seems to have a particularly elegant curving sweep. At least it does to my eye. I think it's a beauty.

 

[bobinwmass]

If it did have the blade inspectors marking would it not also have the pommel stamps as the Millards below?



View attachment 398902
photos courtesy of H Ridgeway
View attachment 398903

Don't know, especially with the uncertainty of how the first 500 were marked and who made them. Just wondering if anyone else thinks if that looks like the remnants of a "2" above the blade washer.

 

[hink441]

Here are two more pics. I can't see any remnants of any markings left on the blade or the pommel. My eyes are getting older maybe some younger eyes can see more clearer.

 

[hink441]

Second picture.

 

[Sundance]

Easy now, that baby is 150 plus years old. I'd see it as less of a beauty with a redone grip.

 

[bobinwmass]

Second picture.

View attachment 398913

Unfortunately, for the exact spot I was looking at, it's a bit out of focus here. The original photo was better. But maybe it is only a couple small nicks or some other blemish, in which case your saber has me stumped. But to me, still looks like could be the top of a "2". But then again, as was also intimated in a different thread about the tendencies of Civil War collectors, not only do I collect, I'll also enjoy a drink.

 

[hink441]

Some of you Guys are slaying me here. Why when someone posts a weapon that looks like a bus ran over it several times I read "It's Beauty" or "Great looking" etc. It's missing the leather on the grip not to mention the wire, down to the wood which is cracked. Hink441 send it off to the many Guys that restore grips on old swords for a reasonable fee. One of the best is the Guy out in California. Then you will have a "Great Sword" and "A Beauty". Fairly sure no CW soldier or Cavalryman ripped the leather grip off the sword and fought with it that way. Prove me wrong!

Thank you for your comment. I will choose to ignore it.

 

[hink441]

Unfortunately, for the exact spot I was looking at, it's a bit out of focus here. The original photo was better. But maybe it is only a couple small nicks or some other blemish, in which case your saber has me stumped. But to me, still looks like could be the top of a "2". But then again, as was also intimated in a different thread about the tendencies of Civil War collectors, not only do I collect, I'll also enjoy a drink.

I will try and get a clearer picture tomorrow. Unfortunately I am at work until tomorrow morning at 0800

Chris

 

[bobinwmass]

I will try and get a clearer picture tomorrow. Unfortunately I am at work until tomorrow morning at 0800

Chris

Called up your photo on my desktop so could take a photo of a larger picture. Arrow points to what looks like part of a "2" to me, but I may be wrong.

 

[Bonedaddy]

So, I guess something 150 years old is supposed to look like it was made yesterday!! If you think it is ugly, that's your opinion that needs to be kept to itself. That's just common courtesy. There is always someone who feels they have to offer a negative opinion on someone else's possession. I don't have to agree with your opinion and I don't have to prove you wrong.

 

[hink441]

I would love to find these swords for $100.... Just doesn't happen in my neck of the woods.

I can't even buy the scabbard for that price.