I note that this thread has been neglected, which I surely would like to rectify as Glen has been kind enough to initiate it here. I think these early American contract and issue sabres are among the most fascinating examples as they are of course relatively rare and information is not readily available.
I'd like to thank Glen again for providing these great links, which are tremendously helpful as resources for learning more on them.
While I continue to hope that more examples will appear here, one thing that seems significant is the huge blades on these original Virginia Manufactory examples....some 40.5" long!! It would seem that most (perhaps all?) of these were shortened to 35" in the Civil War, and it would be good to know if original examples in that form still exist.
It is interesting to know that many of the swordsmiths in the Manufactory were apparantly German smiths and perhaps other immigrants of the same occupation. It almost seems as if this developed into a sort of American version of the Hounslow factories, in analogy at least.
Thank you for responding Mark, and you always have something to add!!!
no matter how small you think it is, your interesting notes and comments always add wonderful dimension to the discussion at hand.....and whassup with two pound cannon balls!!! must have been a heck of a swivel gun!
Well said on Virginia, very independant and proud state.
All best regards,
Jim
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