Unknown sword-help identifiying?

[bcl79]

Hi,

My father passed away a while ago, and collected many different things, one of which was relics from the Battle of the Little Bighorn. I found in his collection this sword, which is noted as being found there. It was a Native captured sword, and I have been searching to try to find out what type it is. I think it's Civil War, but I am not sure, don't know much about this stuff. There are no stampings or markings anywhere on it. Would like to identify it before we put the collection up for sale. Hopefully someone can help!

Thanks,
Ben

 

[Ole Miss]

@ucvrelics would be a good source to call upon. Good luck
Regards
David

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[R. Porter]

With the screw on the side of the scabbard near the throat and the cord wrapped grip, it looks like it was made in Germany. The pommel looks British. The style of the scabbard looks American. The Germans had NCO swords of that style during the first and second world wars, but the Americans had swords with similar pommels. I would go with a non-standard American model 1882 Light Artillery Officer's saber.

Since there have been activities held and the Little Bighorn battlefield over the years, it may have been lost by a Native American at one of these activities. It's my opinion that this sword did not exist at the time of the original battle.

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

The scabbard and blade appear to be from an American M1872/80 cavalry saber mated with a much earlier, perhaps German-made, reverse-P hilt dating from perhaps the 1830s. Since the M1872/80 did not appear before 1880, it is unlikely this sword comes from the Battle of Little Big Horn.