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Post by inusuit on Dec 26, 2022 15:47:20 GMT
Thanks for allowing me to join your forum.
I have been a volunteer research technician at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne for five years. Recently assigned to catalog and research swords in the collection, a very new topic for me. I am on a steep learning curve and becoming fascinated by the history of swords.
To the point that I bought my first, a 1913 "Patton" Cavalry Saber by Springfield Armory dated 1914.
I am considering a next purchase, looking at the 1902 Officer's Sword. Prefer a early model, definitely not a post WWII stainless made in Taiwan version. Seems these can be had for a reasonable price, some apparently nice ones under $300 on Ebay.
I would appreciate any suggestions or guidelines that would assist my selection.
Thank you.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Dec 26, 2022 16:28:36 GMT
Welcome to the forum. I have Windlass’ copy of the M1913 and like it. It was designed for mounted troops and is definitely not designed for fencing or melee work. As for the M1902, it’s a different breed altogether, light fast and nimble. I think that you will find the official present day authorized M1902 is of carbon steel. And is the only present day authorized sword to be of carbon steel. This not to say that there are ss copies out there. Mine came from Universal via Kult of Athena and is of 1065 steel. In my country swords are considered weapons and are restricted. However, due to a quirk in the law a copy is just that, a copy and legal. There is still red tape to import such but nonetheless they are importable.
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pellius
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Post by pellius on Dec 26, 2022 17:30:42 GMT
Welcome to the forum.
Nice choice for your first sword.
I wish you much success as you expand your collection. Good hunting!
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Post by perignum on Dec 26, 2022 17:45:13 GMT
Thanks for allowing me to join your forum. I have been a volunteer research technician at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne for five years. Recently assigned to catalog and research swords in the collection, a very new topic for me. I am on a steep learning curve and becoming fascinated by the history of swords. To the point that I bought my first, a 1913 "Patton" Cavalry Saber by Springfield Armory dated 1914. I am considering a next purchase, looking at the 1902 Officer's Sword. Prefer a early model, definitely not a post WWII stainless made in Taiwan version. Seems these can be had for a reasonable price, some apparently nice ones under $300 on Ebay. I would appreciate any suggestions or guidelines that would assist my selection. Thank you. For thd period that you seem interested in, I’d be fairly confident you could buy a real-life antique for the same money that you’d spend on a high quality replica. Is your focus purely on ‘modern’ swords, say from 1700 on, or do you fancy branching out into Asian and European medieval and Renaisssnce pieces?
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Post by inusuit on Dec 26, 2022 20:17:44 GMT
For thd period that you seem interested in, I’d be fairly confident you could buy a real-life antique for the same money that you’d spend on a high quality replica. Is your focus purely on ‘modern’ swords, say from 1700 on, or do you fancy branching out into Asian and European medieval and Renaisssnce pieces? Yes, I am interested in a real-life antique, not a replica nor a modern version. I'm looking mostly on Ebay for a 1902. Are there other or better sources? At this point in my education, I'm liking the 1840 Wristbreaker and the 1860 Light Cavalry Saber. The 1902 seems more in line with my current budget. Thanks for the responses.
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Post by eastman on Dec 26, 2022 21:46:37 GMT
I didn't see a 1902 on the site now, but Stewart's Military Antiques is one option when looking for sword dealers
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pellius
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Post by pellius on Dec 26, 2022 22:27:25 GMT
If you like the US 1840 and 1860 cavalry sabers, you might also consider the French 1822 light cav saber, trooper or officer, upon which the US models were respectively based.
The Frenchies don’t carry the MAW/ACW cost penalty, and tend to be in far better shape at similar price points. They seem to be easier to find online. Swordsmen such as Dave Kelly report they handle far better that the US models, too.
Even the antique Solingen made copies handle nicely. They tend to be sold as “European” or “Continental” sabers, though some national versions can be distinguished (e.g., Swiss 1852 cavalry saber).
For the cost of a US-made1840 in very good condition ($1.5-3k), you can probably get a nice French made ANXI, which is far more desirable in my opinion.
fwiw
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pellius
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Post by pellius on Dec 26, 2022 22:49:02 GMT
For example, here’s a Fr 1822 cav officer saber offered with its scabbard at £550 plus shipping: www.antique-swords.com/y59-parisian-french-m1822-1860-light-cavalry-officers/As I recall, this seller is a bit prickly in demeanor and charges full market prices, but his items are as advertised and he ships quickly. The pound is back up vs. the UD dollar from its low of nearly 1:1 a few months ago, but still low at about 1:1.2. So maybe $750 or so shipped. I’m not a fan of eBay, but others seem to like it okay. Facebook sword groups also seem to work well for some. I’ve been off FB for a long time, so I don’t personally know.
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