Unidentified Sword
1860-1880



The following sword is one that I cannot identify. It appears to be a Militia or Society Sword, from the period of about 1860 to 1880. It is very similar to another 1870-1900 Unidentified Military Association Sword listed elsewhere in this section.

The hilt is entirely of brass with separate twisted wire wrap around grip; the cross-guard and langet are very similar to Ames-made militia swords of the 1850-1860 period. The cross-guard quillons have a framed scroll-like pattern; between the quillons on the "front side" or obverse, is a pattern which looks like an "eight-spoked wheel" flanked by a pattern resembling feathers or leaves; the "reverse" side is plain except for "textured" background (as is background on the front). The langets are in the pattern of a shield and on the front side is a single raised dot about an 1/8" in diameter. The pommel is integral to the grip and is attached by method of peening and deforming the tang; the front side of the pommel bears a standing eagle (grasping a branch), wings spread (rampant), head facing right. The reverse displays a winged shield framing a smaller shield; this smaller shield is worn, so any design cannot be ascertained. Below the pommel, above the wire wrap, is a pattern encircling the grip resembling wheat; the butt of the pommel has a floral or scroll-work design.

The blade is 27 3/4" long; blade cross-section is a narrow diamond shape ~ 1/8" to 3/16" in width. The blade is un-fullered; doubled edged but edges are flat, not sharpened. The sword is obviously intended for thrusting purposes as the tip is narrowed and sharp. Blade is unmarked, so maker is not immediately apparent.

The scabbard is 29 1/4" long, including drag. It is metal with "browned" finish as opposed to "blued" finish. The drag is solid brass, retained by one screw near the top, obverse. At the bottom of the drag is a pattern which is obviously the colors (flag, whose I do not know) draped over one set of lances and possibly draped over a second set in the background. The frog stud is brazed on and is ~ 7/16" in diameter.

Further thoughts -
The "eight-spoked wheel" has significance in most religions; it is an ancient symbol representing the cycle of life - often called the "Wheel of Law, Truth, and Life" - each spoke representing the "Noble Eight-fold Path" (the path consisting of the "right faith, values, speech, conduct, livelihood, endeavor, awareness, and meditation).
Wheat because it is sown, grown, and then harvested (reaped) is used to signify the cycle of "birth, life, and death, as well as re-birth."
Because of the similarity of these two symbols, I suspect this is a sword belonging to a secret society initiated after - possibly as a direct result of - the Civil War.
These symbols have also been observed on Medical and Payroll Officer's swords. It is very possible the sword has "Southern" origins and the symbols signify the "birth, life, death, and re-birth" of the Confederacy."
Other symbols - such as on the scabbard - lead me to believe this could be a "militant" society.

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