Help Identifying Sword

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These swords can be hard to identify. The 1832 foot artillery was widely popular and later on the molds and blade patterns were often reused and mixed and matched to produce orders for just about any organization (military, veteran's groups, private clubs, sporting groups, and even sold as souvenirs). If we are going to have a shot at this we will need better photos of the entire blade, close- photos of the hilt, and also of any markings; and some measurements.

As for the cleaning, I would do the least amount possible. The sheath leather has dried and shrunk and trying to change that will probably cause it to disintigrate further. The blade, what litttle you have shown us, seems to have plenty of old rust and pitting, you can try applying a light metal polish by hand, and coating it with a a light mineral oil (like baby oil) to discourage further deterioration.

n2s
 
An overall of the sword's blade might be telling. Closer and brighter would be helpful.

The American 1832 was patterned after the French artillery swords with the fish scale grips. The later French infantry sword with the concentric cirles for the grip were widely copied by other European countries as well as England (1855 land transport privates amongst others). The blade would be fairly definative but you aren't showing enough of it for me to be sure. My guess would be Russian or one of the German states. Marks would also narrow your search. The grip is undoubtedly based on the French Infantry swords but they have a slightly waisted leaf blade shape with no fuller (unlike the French artillery the Americans used for their 1832 pattern). The British examples are usually flat grind single edge. That leaves Russia and other European origins as most likely. I have (but not earmarked) examples from Russia that carry the largest variety, including a saw back version.

Yes, similar patterns did find there way into fraternal use but they are often distinguised by elaborate scabbards on very plain blades.

Cheers

GC
 
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