Any civil war buffs/ equipment experts out there?

[rholmes69]

I was just passed down a saber from the Civil War era. My Great grandfather owned it, and I am trying to find out more info on it. All I know is that he served in the supply side of things, and that it is without a doubt the real deal. I have seen the old photos of him in dress and documentation of his service. There are no markings what so ever anywhere that I can see. Seems like a basic steel blade with a brass hand guard, some sort of leather wrapping over a wooden core and some remnants of the wire on the handle. Any guesses as to a make or DOB, just curious as I would like to document its history. Thanks!

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l256/rholmes69/Kahr/100_3718.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l256/rholmes69/Kahr/100_3717.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l256/rholmes69/Kahr/100_3716.jpg

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l256/rholmes69/Kahr/100_3719.jpg

[Bawanna]

I don't know a thing about it but it sure is cool! I would resist all desires to clean or polish or change anything at all as tempting as it may be. I'd certainly cherish that thing, I can feel the history running out of it.

[wyntrout]

Yes, don't clean it. Preserve it from rust with an oil rag or something. Look that up with Google or something. I've seen too many of those Antique Roadshow things where the host says it's worth $15,000 and the owner is kind of overjoyed. The host then says, yeah, if you hadn't cleaned it up it would be worth $75,000. Original patina is a biggie, but rust isn't. you might consider "professional" restoration... restoration by a professional restorer, not Bubba with some Brasso.:D
Nice sword. Do try to find out about its history and "provenance". It may be "ordinary" and not worth as much as some items, but it's a piece of history... your family history.
Thanks for sharing. Our family just doesn't have any "heirlooms" or really old historic stuff. I found a minié ball in a field near Natchez, MS, which is a little neater than the usual broken arrowhead, but who knows if it was a Civil War relic or a target practice round.
Congratulations on this important piece of your heritage.
Wynn:)

[gb6491]

That's a nice family heirloom. My guess would be it's either a Model 1840 or 1860 Calvary Sabre. Sorry, but I really don't know enough about them to tell them apart. There are some examples of both here: Civil War Antique Shop (http://www.civilwarantiqueshop.com/swords.htm)
Regards,
Greg

[rholmes69]

Thanks, yeah, I am pretty excited to finally have it as mine. I remember seeing it above the mantle as a kid. I am not touching it other than to wipe it down with a wd-40 damp rag (the steel parts). I just really hope I can learn more about, particularly something that can help further give some light into the potential of his service.

[deadhead1971]

You are leaving out the most important part? Union or Confederate? :)

My side was Confederate, South Carolina and Florida. My ancestors were in...

Co. K, 4th Florida Infantry
Co I, 9th Florida Infantry
Co A & B Florida Special Cavalry--Munnerlyn's Battalion
Co E, 7th Florida Infantry
Co K, 1st Florida Cavalry
Co F, 12th South Carolina Infantry
Co D, 15th South Carolina Infantry

If your sword is Confederate, I have a lot of contacts who may can ID it.

[DKD]

Yep, sure does look like the basic issue calvary sabre to me. It coyuld very well be a Confederate sabre...they used alot more brass than the Union since steel was is short supply and high demand.

[ripley16]

It should have a makers mark on the tang, just ahead of the guard, also check for anything on the locket part of the scabbard.

I concur that it is a typical Cavalry Saber.

[deadhead1971]

A Confederate sword is likely worth a lot more than a Union one.

[rholmes69]

It is Union, he was out of Indiana. I checked around the tang and can find no markings at all. I took a magnifying glass to it and I can't decipher anything, although there is some rust build up around there. It could be covered by some light scale, something I'll have to check to see if I can safely remove at home or if it needs to be done by a professional. I'm in no rush, it isn't going anywhere. It's just amazing to hold history and try to learn more about it's past.