Valley of the Shadow of Death

Will M · 6th October 2022, 12:49 AM

Norman I've owned two 1821p LC troopers by Sargant , identical to the Osborn pictured with washer and tang peened over it. Also marked A/4. Both had 33 inch blades and were for the American market.

Norman McCormick · 6th October 2022, 02:51 PM

Hi Will,
With the sword in hand I'm sure it is a crowned 4 which is of course a British acceptance mark. My sword has a 35 1/2 inch blade and is 7/16 inches thick at the ricasso. The blade is sharpened for the first 25 inches plus 4 inches at the false edge. I've no reason to suspect that this sword is not British issue. Thanks for the info, I did not realise that these were exported to the U.S.
My Regards,
Norman.

Jim McDougall · 6th October 2022, 03:51 PM

Thank you for these examples guys! It really adds great perspective here to look into the types of weaponry used in this war, and for purposes here, in this battle.
During the Civil War there was considerable export of arms and materials to the Confederate forces from Great Britain, as the Confederate industrial capacity was relatively limited to that of the Union. While the use of swords during the war was not necessarily prevalent, they were certainly present throughout.

With the M1853 swords, there was one British firm producing these for the Confederacy exclusively, I believe it was Isaac & Co.

6th October 2022, 12:49 AM	#1
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 394	Norman I've owned two 1821p LC troopers by Sargant , identical to the Osborn pictured with washer and tang peened over it. Also marked A/4. Both had 33 inch blades and were for the American market.

6th October 2022, 02:51 PM	#2
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,613	Hi Will, With the sword in hand I'm sure it is a crowned 4 which is of course a British acceptance mark. My sword has a 35 1/2 inch blade and is 7/16 inches thick at the ricasso. The blade is sharpened for the first 25 inches plus 4 inches at the false edge. I've no reason to suspect that this sword is not British issue. Thanks for the info, I did not realise that these were exported to the U.S. My Regards, Norman.

6th October 2022, 03:51 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Thank you for these examples guys! It really adds great perspective here to look into the types of weaponry used in this war, and for purposes here, in this battle. During the Civil War there was considerable export of arms and materials to the Confederate forces from Great Britain, as the Confederate industrial capacity was relatively limited to that of the Union. While the use of swords during the war was not necessarily prevalent, they were certainly present throughout. With the M1853 swords, there was one British firm producing these for the Confederacy exclusively, I believe it was Isaac & Co.