Sword Grip Construction

[Artiffactor]

I have a question about grip construction.
Approximately what percentage of either one, and both, French or German imports utilized a spiral wrapped cord underlying the leather covering to form the ridges in the grip?

 

[Larryh86GT]

Welcome from WNY

 

[CW Appraiser]

Grips are distinctive by different makers on CW era sabers.

French swords are generally carved wood, sometimes horn with no leather covering. German made grips almost always are smooth wood with spiral twisted cord under leather to make the grooves for the twisted brass wire to complete the grip. The cord can not bee seen unless high spots o leather wear through. Attached is an antebellum Solingen imported saber for South Carolina contractor. The grip is identical to other Schnitzler & Kirschbaum imports to Horstmann and other US CW contractors. As to exact percentages, that is a project for someone else, but virtually all German have cord.

Typical and most common grip on German made import cavalry saber, cord under leather to make grooves for wire. Commonly seen agent markings include Tiffany-NY, Horstmann-Phila, and Glaze-Columbia, SC.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome @Artiffactor from South Florida and the Reenactors Forum

 

[Artiffactor]

Grips are distinctive by different makers on CW era sabers.

French swords are generally carved wood, sometimes horn with no leather covering. German made grips almost always are smooth wood with spiral twisted cord under leather to make the grooves for the twisted brass wire to complete the grip. The cord can not bee seen unless high spots o leather wear through. Attached is an antebellum Solingen imported saber for South Carolina contractor. The grip is identical to other Schnitzler & Kirschbaum imports to Horstmann and other US CW contractors. As to exact percentages, that is a project for someone else, but virtually all German have cord.

View attachment 356578
Typical and most common grip on German made import cavalry saber, cord under leather to make grooves for wire. Commonly seen agent markings include Tiffany-NY, Horstmann-Phila, and Glaze-Columbia, SC.

Thank you for such a thourough and imformative response to my question. I know cord was used in the grip on the Memphis Novelty Works "S" guard bowie knife too, but I wonder why it was not incorporated into use on more of this firm's edged weapons, or by other Southern makers. It seems it could have saved some time if they had.

 

[Lanyard Puller]

Another photo of a worn grip, sort of de-constructed by usage showing the smooth wood, twisted cord and wire. It's a German made import re-branded by William Glaze {Palmetto Armory} for a pre war South Carolina contract. The hilt is worn exactly where the users thumb would rest. The "Columbia...." mark on the ricasso is also visable.