Share your favorites on Show & Tell

U.S. Model 1902 Saber

In Military and Wartime > Swords > Show & Tell.
Recent activity175092 of 237900Rare, Civil war era percussion cap tinPatriotic Sword
11
Love it
0
Like it

vetraio50vetraio50 loves this.
southcopsouthcop loves this.
HarborguyHarborguy loves this.
fortapachefortapache loves this.
blunderbuss2blunderbuss2 loves this.
officialfuelofficialfuel loves this.
JewelsJewels loves this.
lundylundy loves this.
pw-collectorpw-collector loves this.
ManikinManikin loves this.
aghcollectaghcollect loves this.
See 9 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 9 years ago

    Chrisnp
    (310 items)

    I bought this sword along with the aiguillettes I posted last week and the sword accessories I’ll post next. They came as a lot from the estate of a retired senior Army officer. This type of sword was in adopted in 1902 for all Army officers except chaplains (who aren’t allowed to play with knives). It remains as the regulation sword for ceremonial functions.

    Per regulation, the metal parts of the hilt are steel plated in dull finished nickel. This scabbard is also nickel plated steel, but shiny. The black grip, which I have seen in a variety of materials, is in this case black enameled wood. The manufacturer’s name is in a panel near the hilt “The M.C. Lilley & Co., Columbus, OH”. This dates the sword to between 1902 and 1925 (It became “The Lilley Co” in 1925).

    The etching on these swords tends to follow the same pattern. One side is etched with floral sprays, stands of military trophies, and an eagle at midpoint, clutching a ribbon with the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. The other side is the same, except the eagle is replaced with the “U.S.” initials in Gothic script. This sword also features more floral pattern etched along the spine of the blade.

    The nickel-steel sword hanger came with the sword, and is marked “FRANCE” and “RUST PROOF”. One reference says this type of hangar was first authorized in 1914. The standard U.S. brown leather portepee is attached to the guard and exhibits normal wear. Portepees were originally intended to secure the saber to the wrist, but over time became purely ornamental.

    Now, here is the unsolved mystery:
    What is that other leather thing, made of similar leather to the portepee, but with a tassel and snap-hook hanging beneath? It also came with this lot, and I assume it has something to do with the sword.

    Chris

    Unsolved Mystery

    Help us close this case. Add your knowledge below.

    logo
    Swords
    See all
    [GN1-03-4-41] Japanese Sword: NBTHK Kinmichi Katana in Shirasaya + Koshirae
    [GN1-03-4-41] Japanese Sword: NBTHK...
    $2,025
    [GN1-03-4-39] Japanese Sword: NBTHK Mihara Katana in Tachi Koshirae
    [GN1-03-4-39] Japanese Sword: NBTHK...
    $1,775
    [GN1-03-4-40] Japanese Sword: NBTHK Tegai Katana in Shirasaya + Koshirae
    [GN1-03-4-40] Japanese Sword: NBTHK...
    $1,700
    WWII ARMY OFFICERS JAPANESE OLD KATANA SWORD WITH SCABBARD SIGNED HIDEYOSHI
    WWII ARMY OFFICERS JAPANESE OLD KAT...
    $230
    logo
    [GN1-03-4-41] Japanese Sword: NBTHK Kinmichi Katana in Shirasaya + Koshirae
    [GN1-03-4-41] Japanese Sword: NBTHK...
    $2,025
    See all

    Comments

    1. Chrisnp Chrisnp, 9 years ago
      And a happy holidays to you as well Jim
    2. Chrisnp Chrisnp, 9 years ago
      Thanks for the love vetraio50, southcop, Harborguy, fortapache, blunder, officialfuel, Jewels, lundy, pw-collector, Manikin and aghcollect

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.