Does anyone Recognize this Militia Sword

A

alan62

Joined
Dec 26, 2005
Messages
82
I believe it to be a Medical or Payroll Officer's and I reletivly familiar with Militia types but I have not seen this one with what appears to be a federalist type eagle on the hilt and on the scabbard. It does not match any of the fraternal or society swords.

Thanks for any input
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Unfortunately I don't recognize it. It sure looks like a fraternal sword, although since they were often made by the same manufacturers as the military versions perhaps that's no surprise. Have you tried over at sword forum's antique military swords forum? www.swordforum.com
 
Thanks Triton ,I will check it out over there I have had one research consultant look at it and he ,as do I ,feel like it is probably not fraternal.I know there are many,many variations of society types out there as well as many militia types. This one, I feel is likely a payroll officers.Regalia types are hard sometimes to pinpoint and as you said the makers of both militia and society swords are often the same.
Having said all that My hope is that someone will have an exact one in a research book and be able to tell me something even if it is "yea that is an Irish order of the whispering lamb dress sword circa 1890" at least then I will know for sure
I appreciate the link and I will see what folks over there think
Thanks again
 
I found this information for anyone interested as I was searching the web it is on a sword that is similar to mine that is at auction and some conversation posted by the seller,I also found a pic of an old tintype with what appear to be militia and 2 of them have very similar militia swords although I cannot make out if they are identical.

The info is as follows

"3/02/07 Hello ,I might provide a little info. for you. I have an identical one, except mine has pewter mounts and a red pigskin leather covering on sheath.It came with a red leather belt,red leather mounting frog, and a Gaylord 1840 Virginia Seal belt plate. Mexican War period. Belonged to member of the Norfolk(Va.)Light Artillery Blues Militia Unit. Also have Leather plumed Artillery plumed shako, pipe, & pistol from him. Was told it was made by Ames (unmarked) as a Staff NCO Sword. Officers had engraved blades. The belt rig (from Ames) sometimes came with the Gaylord made belt plates (as mine). Have seen one identical style sword in a fancy velvet sheath with gold plated mounts used by some fraternal organization around 1890 or so. Probably made them for 50 -60 years. Mine is Mexican War. Hope the info. helps. Yours is probably early also.

Did you know this sword you inquired about was on Bezdek's - American Swords and Swordmakers? Check page 599 top right corner... Doesn't have a maker, but alot of people keep telling me, Unmarked Ames"

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That's really cool! I'm reading the book Blood and Thunder by Hampton Sides. It is about Kit Carson's role in the Mexican War, the Civil War, and the conquest of the Navajo during this period. It is neet to see a piece of equipment and a photo of some men from that period. I love the chops on the guy in the upper right corner!
 
Excellent, looks like you are on the right track, thanks for the follow up...
 
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