American Sword identification

8.5

iron hilt revolutionary period

John Thillman Book - Type 2

M1860 NavAL Cutlass

Blade of center sword above. Note blade decorated in the style of the British Lloyds of London presentation swords.

M1860 Cavalry Saber

Early American Silver Colichemarde

Early Silver American

Small Sword

5.5

Boston cutler between 1807 and 1815

9-10

M1840 Medical Officer's Sword

M1840 Artillery Officer's Saber

M1840 Cavalry Saber

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

M1840 Foot Officer's Sword

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.

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)

Circa 1810 New Orleans Marked

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.

Helmet Pommel

1840-1850

Model 1860

Staff Officer's Sword

4.5

6 -9

Horse Head Sabre

Post War of 1815 through Mexican War

Nathan Starr

John Thillman Book - Type 1

Non-Regulation

M1850 Foot Officer's Swords

M1840 Militia Officer's Swords

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

Revolutionary/War of 1812 Period

1774 ~ 1815

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.

BIRD HEAD POMMEL sABRES

M1850 Staff & Field Officer's Sword

M1860 Navy Officer's Cutlass

Eagle Head Swords 1800-1840

British Silver Cuttoe Dated 1771

London Silversmith Romer

8.5

6.5

M1841 Naval Officer's Sword

M1840 Engineer's Sword

M1832 Artillery Sword

M1832/1834 General Officer's Sword

Bird Head Pommel Officer's Sabres

M1840 Artillery Saber

Beautiful Silver horn gripped

Cavalry Officer's Sabre

Circa 1640 "Hounslow Hanger" would have been among some of the first swords appearing in North America.

M1841 Naval Cutlass

M1840 Cavalry Saber

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

M1840 NCO Sword

3.5

M1840 Musicians Sword

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

8.5

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.