M1840 NCO Sword

10

8.5

Text book example of an original rare (highly reproduced) Naval Cutlass.

John Thillman Book  - Type 2

M1860 NavAL Cutlass

M1860 Cavalry Saber
Early American Silver Colichemarde
Early Silver American
Small        Sword

5.5

6

3

8

6

7

10

M1860 Navy Officer's Cutlass
​Eagle Head Swords 1800-1840
Horse Head Sabre

Post War of 1812 through Mexican War

John Thillman Book  - Type 1

9-10

3

British Silver Cuttoe Dated 1771

London Silversmith Romer

8.5

6.5

5

Non-Regulation
M1850 Foot Officer's Swords

3

M1840 Militia Officer's Swords

M1841 Naval Officer's Sword
M1840 Engineer's Sword
M1840 Medical Officer's Sword
M1840 Artillery Officer's Saber

M1840 Cavalry Saber

(Enlisted man's saber "Wrist-breaker")

M1840 Foot Officer's Sword
M1832 Artillery Sword
M1832/1834 General Officer's Sword

Up to the End of The Civil War Period

1850 ~ 1865

Above examples a variety of early revolutionary period swords and hangars.  (Courtesy of the Don Furr Collection)

1832-1840 Through The Mexican War Period To 1850


Federal Period ~ Circa 1800 - 1840

Nathan Starr was the premier sword contractor to the government up until the rise of Ames in the 1830's.  Below are examples of early 1812 Cavalry, 1826 Naval, and 1818 NCO sword.  These swords are not pretty, or elegant, but they served their intended field of use admirably.

Early fire blued blade, with ivory grip.  Clean lines.  Also known as a "five ball" due to the balls on the guard and knucklbow.

An Early Bolton Pillow Pommel Sword

An early Francis Thurkle Naval cutlass 

Revolutionary Period 1774 ~ 1800

During this period, soldiers commonly carried swords of their fancy that were hung from the shoulder.  These swords came to be known as "hangars" .  Other hunting swords were also used.  Below are a couple of revolutionary period swords.

American Sword Identification By Period Style

The Basics: This page shows basic patterns and sword form  by which one may generally categorize swords as belonging to specific periods.

(Please note this section is not yet complete and not all models are yet represented)

​8.5

9

10

Bird Head Pommel Officer's Sabres

M1840 Artillery Saber

10

iron hilt revolutionary period

7

​Helmet Pommel
1840-1850
Model 1860
Staff Officer's Sword

6

9.5

Beautiful Silver horn gripped 

Cavalry Officer's Sabre

10

6.5

9

3 to 9

8

4

​63

              American Swords, LLC.​​​​

M1833 Dragoon Saber

3.5

10

M1840 Musicians Sword

Silver Hilted Eagle Head Sword - Three hallmarks (Sterling Silver, London, 1778). 

5

5

6

M1860 Cavalry Saber

Note the belly in the grip as opposed to the 1840.

FRATERNAL/MASONIC SWORD

Swords in the style of that on right, are NOT military.  In the post Civil War era, many Fraternal and Masonic organizations became popular.  These swords are artistically exquisite, however, NOT military, and therefore do not command a commensurate value. 

4

8

M1841 Naval Cutlass

M1840 Cavalry Saber

Note the grip shape and wider, heavier scabbard (and blade).

9

3.5

4.5

6 -9

It is in your past that you discover who you are...

8.5

4

Grading

The swords are graded in rarity on a scale of 1 to 10.  This is solely in my opinion.  Other peoples opinion may differ.

Please note that this is very "General".  There is obviously CONDITION, MAKER, GRADE, and the individuality of certain pieces, which would alter rarity and value. 

​Indian Princess
1821-1850
Pre-1841 Navy Non-Regulation Variant

4

M1850 Foot Officer's Sword
Model 1870
Marine Revenue Cutter's Sword
Revolutionary Period Silver Eagle Head  Short sword

BIRD HEAD POMMEL sABRES


M1850 Staff & Field Officer's Sword