What have I got here?

[MotoJ]

I found this and a few other swords in my parent's attic while helping my Mom clean stuff out after my father's passing. I finally brought them back to Baltimore. I'll post up the others too once I figure out why they won't download off my phone!

Anyway, my initial research says this is an enlisted man's saber, Union, obviously. The grip looks like shark skin or something, and is bound with wire. Hilt basket is brass. The scabbard is steel, with a brass drag on the end.
Two rings, one with a brass clip still attached. The sash or whatever it is might be silk, and has brocade tassle things with wooden forms inside. Could be from a curtain for all I know.

The blade has patina, like the rest of it. I think there's some writing at the tang, but I haven't cleaned it yet. Wasn't sure if I should.

Anybody knowledgeable about these swords? I'd welcome any insight or info.

Thanks!

 

[BlackBart]

I dunno what it is..... civil war era? BUT it is pretty neat!

 

[GoGoGadget]

From the little that I know: DON'T CLEAN IT!

I'm sure someone wil come along with more useful info, but that much I do know.

That's a beautiful piece!

 

[MotoJ]

Here's another one...

No idea what this one is- artilleryman's sword? It's shorter than the other. Sheath is leather, brass ferrule at the throat, missing the cap on the end.

Grip is leather, brass wire binding. Brass handguard. No writing anywhere.

Is this older or more recent than the Union saber?

Again, any help is much appreciated.

 

[HRDWRK]

From the little that I know: DON'T CLEAN IT!

I'm sure someone wil come along with more useful info, but that much I do know.

That's a beautiful piece!

+1

 

[MotoJ]

I think this is a Prussian "Blucher"

http://www.antique-swords.eu/997-Na...-Blucher-Cavalry-Troopers-Sabre-Waterloo.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_1796_light_cavalry_sabre

I think this is an 1811 model, which was taken from the 1796 model (according to Wikipedia- must be true!)

Anyone know about these? All steel, leather grip. Heavy as hell and looks like it would cleave skulls if swung from horseback! The last eight inches of the blade widens and it swings like an axe!

It has stamped numbers and letters on the blade and the scabbard. Some are lined through and have others below, as if it were returned to the armory and reissued to another unit.

S&K apparently stands for Schmitzler & Kirchbaum, the maker.