makentsu
Member
Today is victory over yourself; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.
Posts: 6
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Post by makentsu on Mar 8, 2021 2:28:18 GMT
Had my eye on these blades for some time now but I'm new to buying antiques,so I'm not entirely sure if these are good to start with. I'm looking for a sword that can be used for dry-handling and if I decide to sharpen it, can be used for test cutting. WW1 era British Royal Navy Junior Officer's Sword: Georgian/Victorian British Light Cavalry Officer's Campaign Sword:
Vintage WWII U.S Navy USN Model 1852 Naval Officer's Dress Sword with Knot M1852:
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2021 20:13:03 GMT
Welcome aboard.
Starting with the last first, the USN sword is purely a dress and ceremonial sword. The US m1852 has changed twice in blade width since the start. Even the first reduction prior the the Spanish American War pretty much relegated them to the dress wear category. As to the first years, any sharpening really would be a disservice, as they really are hard to come by. Find one of a million mle 1845 French infantry officer swords out there that were the basis of the US 1850 infantry and 1852 naval swords.
The British junior officer sword similarly,a sword that was not really meant for service but could be sharpened. If doing so, keep it to the pointy third past the etching. It would be your sword to do with what you want to but sharpening will make it less valuable.
The cavalry officer sword would probably be your best bet. It is already in worn shape. With a pipe back blade, it will not be as favorable a cutter as the earlier 1821 blade and later mid century blade cross sections.
On an aesthetic and esoteric level, the junior officer naval sword would be my choice but not to sharpen. It does get crazy as collectors buy up old swords primarily to appreciate aside from using them for cutting. I have 200 yr old plus swords I cut with and one I bought just for that purpose but I didn't look for a sword primarily meant for dress.
Cheers GC
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makentsu
Member
Today is victory over yourself; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.
Posts: 6
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Post by makentsu on Mar 9, 2021 1:25:15 GMT
Thanks for the advice, after some thought I believe I'll go for the junior officer's sword for now and get the cavalry sword if it's still available at another time.
Again thank you so much for the help.
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Post by pellius on Mar 9, 2021 1:52:43 GMT
Welcome! Glad you got some solid advice right off the bat.
Edit: Also, of the three I would’ve chosen the same one you did. I hope you enjoy it.
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