Sword Identified- finally

[Johnny Lloyd]

To all:

I have had this sword for the past 20 years and never knew what it was. I knew from the look of it that it was pre-war of some sort.

Well, it is a "Model 1830 Militia Officer's Sword" according to the picture on page 393 of Warman's Civil War Collectibles Field Guide

It has no scabbard, but it is very light and quick to swing for a slashing attack. It could be Mex War as well as Civil War.

Anyone have any more about this weapon? The book doesn't list much. Possible makers/areas it might have been made, etc.? There are no apparent markings on the blade either...

Any advice on this would be most-appreciated.

Thanks- Johnny Lloyd

[stx]

Re: Sword Identified- finally

I have an original sword that looks almost dead on like that. The handle is exactly the same and the blade looks about dead on. Mine is a bit rustier than that one, but it does have markings on the blade, what looks like a drum and some crossed spears or something. I can post pictures if you would like.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Sword Identified- finally

It bears strong resemblance to many of the blades produced by Starr for the US Regulars. There were literally hundreds of different types of swords and sabers bought by the militias and US officers in that era. Many of the manufacturers varied little in pattern, and others were vastly different, as it has always been in the private purchase military market. The 1830's and 40's were ripe with combat in the Florida War (2nd Seminole War) from 35-42, followed by the Mexican War which was even bigger, so there are quite a few militia swords out there, and many of those seeing service into the Civil War on both sides with all of the volunteer troops. Nice piece Johnny!

[Mudslinger]

Re: Sword Identified- finally

I agree with Ross, there were many militia swords carried by both sides during the war. The latest one that I've researched (Brig. Gen. Albert Gallatin Jenkins, CS) had a sword nearly identical to yours. There were many swords imported by private purchase to State militias prior to the war, in some cases 20 years prior. It does have a strong resemblance to a Starr. Interesting indeed!



Nick Miller
33rd O.V.I.
Mudslinger Mess

"Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you."-Thomas Jefferson

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Sword Identified- finally

Gents-
Warman's guide has one in it in great condition with a scabbard valued at $600-$1200. Mine would be probably worth way less since it doesn't have a scabbard, I'd figure.
I bought it from a junk dealer in Pawley's Island for 60 dollars... ;)

I wonder why it has no maker's mark... that puzzled me.

-Johnny

[Mudslinger]

Re: Sword Identified- finally

Johnny,

I did notice some engraving on the blade when I zoomed in on the pic. It is very odd that there are no manufacturer's marks on it, as well as the maker's initials, even though the sword is that old. Very odd. I'm going to check that out. Also, I'm going to have my advisor, Jack Dickinson (Confederate Bibliographer) at the Morrow Library at Marshall University help me on this one, also. He has an extensive collection of originals at the Library at MU. I'll try and get some pics of what he has, and post them here.


Nick Miller
33rd O.V.I.
Mudslinger Mess

"Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you."-Thomas Jefferson

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Sword Identified- finally

Hallo!

Yes, as shared, that sabre design goes way back such as the first contract with Starr in 1798.
Plus when the Federal government began to supply arms to state militias circa 1808, this form or "pattern type" ("Reverse 'P' knuckle guard) appears in variation in a number of federal and state contracts in the first decades of the 19th century.

Curt

[James Slonders]

Re: Sword Identified- finally

I also have a sword very similar to this. I will try and post a picture, if I can figure it out.

James Slonders