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Post by malbinosr on Jan 3, 2024 17:31:01 GMT
Hello All, Happy New Years! I collect US Military swords and Knives. I purchased this from a friend who is an Retired US Airforce General. He picked this up in Europe back in the 1950's. I am trying to gain information on it. Please see the attached Pictures. The steel is old. I am an antique dealer and know steel. Thank you in Advance, Mark A. Mark A.
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Post by mrstabby on Jan 3, 2024 18:20:19 GMT
No marks on it at all?
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Post by malbinosr on Jan 3, 2024 19:06:03 GMT
It looks like a very faint stamp or it could be scratching. Note sure. This is the only marks I can find.
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Post by izzy on Jan 3, 2024 20:52:43 GMT
Well it's not a scratch....The faces are too clear for that, it's possible it was etched with designs and highlighted with engraved outlines. Could even be three theater masks (?).
Which country in Europe was it purchased in, Germany, Italy?
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Post by mrstabby on Jan 3, 2024 21:03:02 GMT
Definately looks like a coat of arms or something, but can't make it out. EDIT: Wetting the surface with oil might bring it out more. Or it could make it less visible but won't damage anything.
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Post by malbinosr on Jan 3, 2024 21:35:09 GMT
The General Passed away a few years back. I do not recall where he got it. I do know he was Stationed in the UK, Italy, and Germany Thats all I can remember about his travels. I can make out a partial shield like crest with a bird above it and maybe a crown. I added images of the mark wet and dry. I was hoping the pommel and cross guard design would help ID and date it. My hopes are to eventually sell it once I know what I have so I can buy a US Civil War Sword Collection. Thank you again, Mark
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Post by madirish on Jan 3, 2024 22:35:54 GMT
I get the feeling you are looking at a Victorian repro.
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Post by malbinosr on Jan 3, 2024 23:27:30 GMT
The oxidation on the blade looks to me to be over a couple hundered years old. I have over 150 swords in my collection and another 200 plus knives dating 18th century to mid 19th century. I only Collect US arms though. I have been collecting and dealing for 40+ years. The steel is older than the 19th c. Also the edges show signs of use. What makes you think it may be a reproduction?
Thank you,
Mark
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Post by perignum on Jan 3, 2024 23:43:47 GMT
I think it’s a repro, too.
1 - The carved wooden handle looks to be ahistorical and in too well a preserved state even if 4-5 hundred years old.
2 - The guard and quillon block look like no original I’ve ever seen.
3 - A lenticular blade with no fuller is rare outside stuff like Scottish ‘claymores’.
4 - The ricasso at the base of the blade doesn’t seem to serve a function. It looks too narrow to hook a finger around. Especially with that great big quillon block.
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Post by madirish on Jan 4, 2024 0:55:44 GMT
What Perignum said.
The grip, while looking too new, also does not look like any sort of typical functional grip, that enormous bulbous swelling and then the very, very petite narrowing just does not look particularly functional. It also looks like it was painted, not leather wrapped. I am not an expert by any means, but the fact that the wood grip fits into a socket or collar on the pommel looks anachronistic for something 500 yrs old.
The guard just looks....off. Blocky, unrefined, I dunno, just doesn't look right.
The ricasso and blade geometry looks off....honestly gave me a Toledo souvenir sword vibe. Doesn't look functional.
As far as oxidation, I certainly make no claims to any expertise, but to my eye it doesn't look neglected enough to be a 500 yr old sword.
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