Portuguese cavalry troopers sabre.

Tim Simmons · 20th October 2025, 10:43 AM

Yes powered hammers are an ancient thing. What I am on about is what seems to be the lack of use of forming rollers. This is an extract from the link.

Crop to billet.

Ryder the billet to the blade’s length and reduce its thickness.

Roll the ‘rough blade’ to pattern (there were rolls for all patterns of blades except some which were entirely hand forged).

Ryder the tang, shaping and drawing it out.

Hand-hammer the top leading edge.

Thread the tang (military: ¼ inch Whitworth thread).

Grind.

Shoulder file.

Curve the blade (if the pattern called for the blade to be curved).

Harden.

Temper and straighten.

Strike and deflection test.

Proof stamp.

Number the blade.

Polish.

Etch.

Final inspection.

Pass to fitters.

https://www.fordemilitaryantiques.co...lkinson-latham

My sword may fit in the {there were rolls for all patterns of blades except some which were entirely hand forged} form of manufacture.

Tim Simmons · 22nd October 2025, 02:02 PM

https://www.google.com/search?q=pert...MAUf65UQ,st:55

Rollers.

Tim Simmons · 22nd October 2025, 03:23 PM

Just found out that Ballesteros is actually the Royal Arms Factory, which by the late 19th century was using industrial equipment.

Tim Simmons · 22nd October 2025, 03:30 PM

Well it is pre 1868 as that is when modenisation and new machines tools were installed at the Royal Arms Factory.

Radboud · 22nd October 2025, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

Well it is pre 1868 as that is when modenisation and new machines tools were installed at the Royal Arms Factory.

Or it's just polished / finished to a lower standard. Or it's been repolished later on.

toaster5sqn · 23rd October 2025, 12:40 AM

Doesn't look hand forged to me, but it does look like apprentice McNumpty's first day on the grinding wheel.

Tim Simmons · 23rd October 2025, 09:48 AM

I can add these as they have been sold. Two more examples of apprentice McNumpty and repolisher handy work. There must be more than one McNumpty around .

https://www.antique-swords.co.uk/ant...edo-p148004024

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-l...9i65IPiBQjxjoI

23rd October 2025, 09:48 AM	#7
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,967	I can add these as they have been sold. Two more examples of apprentice McNumpty and repolisher handy work. There must be more than one McNumpty around . https://www.antique-swords.co.uk/ant...edo-p148004024 https://www.invaluable.com/auction-l...9i65IPiBQjxjoI Attached Images

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20th October 2025, 10:43 AM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,967	Yes powered hammers are an ancient thing. What I am on about is what seems to be the lack of use of forming rollers. This is an extract from the link. Crop to billet. Ryder the billet to the blade’s length and reduce its thickness. Roll the ‘rough blade’ to pattern (there were rolls for all patterns of blades except some which were entirely hand forged). Ryder the tang, shaping and drawing it out. Hand-hammer the top leading edge. Thread the tang (military: ¼ inch Whitworth thread). Grind. Shoulder file. Curve the blade (if the pattern called for the blade to be curved). Harden. Temper and straighten. Strike and deflection test. Proof stamp. Number the blade. Polish. Etch. Final inspection. Pass to fitters. https://www.fordemilitaryantiques.co...lkinson-latham My sword may fit in the {there were rolls for all patterns of blades except some which were entirely hand forged} form of manufacture.

22nd October 2025, 02:02 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,967	https://www.google.com/search?q=pert...MAUf65UQ,st:55 Rollers.

22nd October 2025, 03:23 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,967	Just found out that Ballesteros is actually the Royal Arms Factory, which by the late 19th century was using industrial equipment.

22nd October 2025, 03:30 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,967	Well it is pre 1868 as that is when modenisation and new machines tools were installed at the Royal Arms Factory.

23rd October 2025, 12:40 AM	#6
toaster5sqn Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: New Zealand Posts: 87	Doesn't look hand forged to me, but it does look like apprentice McNumpty's first day on the grinding wheel.