Need help with M1840 cavalry sabre

SBBCal

Cadet
Joined
Aug 6, 2021
Hi there , I've got what I believe is a 1840 Union cavalry officers sabre. The problem we are having is that there are No stamping/date/makers mark on the blade making it hard to authenticate. I'm wondering if it was an import? Old reproduction? Just worn off? Any help is appreciated!

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I don't touch/buy any CW Blade without some type of markings on the blade (or handle/hilt for that matter). That blade looks way to shiny and bright so I'd say reproduction too (to include the hilt/handle). One way is to compare it to online Sutlers that sell repo swords for reenactors and see if that type sword is listed for sale.
 
I don't touch/buy any CW Blade without some type of markings on the blade (or handle/hilt for that matter). That blade looks way to shiny and bright so I'd say reproduction too (to include the hilt/handle). One way is to compare it to online Sutlers that sell repo swords for reenactors and see if that type sword is listed for sale.
thanks for the reply, the blade looks to be nickel plated or something else. Here's a pic of the chipped plating. The collection itself came from Ohio/Indiana, with most items being certified and a few being left wondering like this sabre. More pics if needed. Thx again

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Hello and welcome to the CivilWarTalk from Southeast Missouri. That is one fine looking saber, no matter what is it's origins, repro or not. The grip reminds me of an 1850 Foot Officer's sword.
 
I'm only 50% an expert on CW and better on Rev War maybe 75%. I'll never admit to knowing it all and there are others here that differently know more than me if they comment for you. BUT I'll take Vegas odds any day of the week that it's a Reproduction especially with that blade etching the way it looks.
 
Its a repop sword as the casting a way to crude, the wire wrap is wrong, the drag is wrong and don't get me started on the etching. Tiffany made a VERY nice cav officers sword but this ain't one of them.
 
Its a repop sword as the casting a way to crude, the wire wrap is wrong, the drag is wrong and don't get me started on the etching. Tiffany made a VERY nice cav officers sword but this ain't one of them.
Thanks for chiming in, is there a website/source of reproductions like this? I'm really wanting more info as there is plenty more in the collection. Here is a link to what looked like a similar sabre (to me). Heritage auctions has an office near me but has been closed due to covid. So I'm basically gathering what info I can. Thanks again
https://www.civilwarpreservations.c...840 Cavalry Officer Saber&category=officerswd
 
Its a repop sword as the casting a way to crude, the wire wrap is wrong, the drag is wrong and don't get me started on the etching. Tiffany made a VERY nice cav officers sword but this ain't one of them.
and that ends that....It's a Reproduction as in a Fake. SSBCal post the rest of the swords of the collection you mentioned that you are unsure about and Folks here will tell you whats what about them.
 
Thanks for chiming in, is there a website/source of reproductions like this? I'm really wanting more info as there is plenty more in the collection. Here is a link to what looked like a similar sabre (to me). Heritage auctions has an office near me but has been closed due to covid. So I'm basically gathering what info I can. Thanks again
https://www.civilwarpreservations.com/Home.aspx/catdet/SJM522?nm=M 1840 Cavalry Officer Saber&category=officerswd
If you look at the one you posted it has "That Look" there is patina on the blade and brass, wear on the grip and the CW period wire. Yours is just new and shiny.
 
If you look at the one you posted it has "That Look" there is patina on the blade and brass, wear on the grip and the CW period wire. Yours is just new and shiny.
Agreed but in person it's far from new and shiny . The Collection is still being gone through, over 40 sabres/swords which most already have been authenticated. Couldn't find anything on this sabre , yet. Ill keep updating as I get further.
Side note: here's a fun little one I have NO clue on. It almost looks like a set for some trade. Only this Kukri , missing 3 smaller daggers? May be ww1? Anyways the collection is broad and things like this all over. Thanks for the look
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All three look fine to me. I would agree the Horstmann French Model 1821 is pre-Civil War as it has an etching style common to the 1820's to 1830's.
Thanks for chiming in, I just wish the first 1840-1860 sabre had makers-marks! They all came from the same collection which has me still debating on that one. I'll get them all together in a pic here soon
 
The etching on the Horstmann Staff and Field as well as the Walscheid sword is just beautiful! What is the blade length on the Horstmann Staff and Field? They made a version with an enormous cavalry length 35.5 inch blade. Had one but sold it and another nice sword a couple years ago when suddenly had to come up with a downpayment on a new car.
 
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