PDL / Tiffany Presentation Sword?

[Jonl51]

I think it would also be interesting to see some photos of the designs on your blade, particularly the eagle. While House of Swords did apparently use some real blades, the designs on most of their blades were cast into the blade, instead of being acid etched as was done on originals.

Under magnification the blade on my sword is acid etched and looks similar to the etching on other ( authentic) Civil War swords I own. Note the "claw and ball" finial on the presentation sword in Bedzek's book ( and mine ) vs the sea serpent looking finial on the authentic sword posted at Arizona Swords. Different makers?

 

[bobinwmass]

Under magnification the blade on my sword is acid etched and looks similar to the etching on other ( authentic) Civil War swords I own. Note the "claw and ball" finial on the presentation sword in Bedzek's book ( and mine ) vs the sea serpent looking finial on the authentic sword posted at Arizona Swords. Different makers?

I do wish the Bedzek photo included the entire finial so that we could compare it to yours. Yours does appear to be similar to the House of Swords one. But hopefully all is fine and if you are satisfied that's all that matters.

 

[Present Arms]

The obit for Joe Walters in the Kansas City Star states that he was the victim of an assault and robbery.

 

[Jonl51]

I do wish the Bedzek photo included the entire finial so that we could compare it to yours. Yours does appear to be similar to the House of Swords one. But hopefully all is fine and if you are satisfied that's all that matters.

Over the years I have heard these references to House of Swords and even purchased one of their catalogs to see for myself. They certainly sold a wide variety of swords and other military items, which appear to be legit, but who really knows. Pictures attached. It would be interesting to see a picture from their catalog of one of their nefarious swords, if anyone has one.
Regards Jonl51

 

[bayonet]

Bob think you can throw up a few pics of casting along side acid etched swords? Now I'm worried. I have a Petersen 75 that I got from a Dealer with a good representation on this website. The Grip and scabbard look to the time period but the blade is way too perfect. I can't even get good pics of the US and Eagle on the blade to post here because it shines too much. I love it because it actually has the CW Dealers address on the blade. I''ll try taking more pics again some way.

 

[bobinwmass]

Bob think you can throw up a few pics of casting along side acid etched swords? Now I'm worried. I have a Petersen 75 that I got from a Dealer with a good representation on this website. The Grip and scabbard look to the time period but the blade is way too perfect. I can't even get good pics of the US and Eagle on the blade to post here because it shines too much. I love it because it actually has the CW Dealers address on the blade. I''ll try taking more pics again some way.

It can be really difficult to get good photos of a mint condition blade, and I don't have any stock photos of cast blades. But here is a photo of the eagle on one of the House of Swords blades. Notice the wings are made from small block pieces, the design of which were cast into the blade. Also note the crude eagle head and the blocky "E PLURIBUS UNUM" that is also cast in the blade.

In contrast, here are two etched eagles from a couple of my officer's swords. Notice the intricate designs are done with etched fine lines.

 

[bayonet]

It can be really difficult to get good photos of a mint condition blade, and I don't have any stock photos of cast blades. But here is a photo of the eagle on one of the House of Swords blades. Notice the wings are made from small block pieces, the design of which were cast into the blade. Also note the crude eagle head and the blocky "E PLURIBUS UNUM" that is also cast in the blade.View attachment 466322
In contrast, here are two etched eagles from a couple of my officer's swords. Notice the intricate designs are done with etched fine lines.

View attachment 466323

View attachment 466324

Ok my Eagle is different from the one you showed from the House of Swords. I'll upload pics soon.

 

[bayonet]

Ok Bob this is the best I could do. Hard photo taking of a bright blade.

 

[bobinwmass]

Ok Bob this is the best I could do. Hard photo taking of a bright blade. View attachment 466338View attachment 466339View attachment 466340View attachment 466341View attachment 466342View attachment 466343View attachment 466344View attachment 466345View attachment 466346

I'm not pretending to be an expert on verifying the authenticity of etching on swords. But Thillmann's book does show an identical eagle with the script "US" on the chest on another Schuyler Hartley & Graham sword.

 

[bayonet]

I'm not pretending to be an expert on verifying the authenticity of etching on swords. But Thillmann's book does show an identical eagle with the script "US" on the chest on another Schuyler Hartley & Graham sword.

Thanks I'll go with that. Guess the guy who owned it was "In the rear with the Gear" and never pulled the blade in action as to why it's so clean. Or just brought it after the War to march around in Parades!

 

[Jonl51]

I'm not pretending to be an expert on verifying the authenticity of etching on swords. But Thillmann's book does show an identical eagle with the script "US" on the chest on another Schuyler Hartley & Graham sword.

Thanks I'll go with that. Guess the guy who owned it was "In the rear with the Gear" and never pulled the blade in action as to why it's so clean. Or just brought it after the War to march around in Parades!

Your sword's etching is fine. Congrats on a nice one. Still don't see any real difference of what is reported as "cast in the blade". The pictures shown claiming that are low quality and do not clearly show any such thing.

 

[bobinwmass]

Your sword's etching is fine. Congrats on a nice one. Still don't see any real difference of what is reported as "cast in the blade". The pictures shown claiming that are low quality and do not clearly show any such thing.

Sometimes we see (or don't see) only what we want to see. I believe the photo described as a cast blade clearly shows something is wrong, and the Arizona Swords site does confirm it is a cast blade

 

[bayonet]

I'm not pretending to be an expert on verifying the authenticity of etching on swords. But Thillmann's book does show an identical eagle with the script "US" on the chest on another Schuyler Hartley & Graham sword.

Can you tell me what page you saw that on? Thanks

 

[bobinwmass]

Can you tell me what page you saw that on? Thanks

Very bottom of page 368.

 

[bayonet]

Very bottom of page 368.

Thanks, just got the book yesterday. Should of got it years ago.