Blades of History
The Bish Collection
A collection of Historic Arms, specializing in Civil War Edged Weapons
Collecting swords can be very tricky in that there is no general consensus of opinion for sword condition or grading such as exists for guns and coins. In an effort to develop a consistent grading standard, I have compiled the following grading system with input from some of the premier authorities in this field.
*
1810 Philadelphia Eaglehead Artillery Saber
References:
Condition is primary consideration for value, with rarity a secondary consideration.
Exceptional-Mint Condition (grade 9-10):
Guard- complete, straight with no dents. Officers' swords show majority of gilt finish without hard cleaning or polishing.
Grips- Grips complete with all wire wrap present and unbroken. Grip covering original and intact showing very little wear.
Blade- Majority of bright blue or frosting of etching remaining on blade.
Scabbard- Leather scabbard complete with minor flaking. Metal scabbard has no dents.
Fine - Very Fine Condition (grade 7-8):
Guard- complete, straight, no dents. Gilt on Officers' swords may be worn but is mostly there.
Grips- Grips are complete with minor scuffs or scrapes but all wire wrapping present.
Blade- Markings are sharp with most of gilt remaining, and up to 50% of blueing.
Scabbard- Leather scabbard may have flaking but no breaks or bends. Metal scabbard may have very minor dings or scuffs.
Good - Very Good Condition (grade 5-6):
Guard- complete, straight with no dents. Officers' swords show some gilt remaining.
Grips- Grip covering has minor loss or scuffs and may be missing some of the wire wrappings.
Blade- Markings and etchings should be clear or slightly worn. Little, if any remaining blueing. Surface rust, slightly pitted. Some discoloration and minor nicks, but not shortened in length.
Scabbard- Scabbard is complete. Leather scabbard may have flaking, minor bends, but no breaks. Metal scabbard may have a few minor dents.
Fair - Good Condition (grade 3-4):
Guard- Has nicks or minor dents. Little or no gilt remaining.
Grips- Grip covering shows small loss. Wire wrappings may be missing.
Blade- May be lightly rusted or have pitting. Some discoloration and minor nicks, but not shortened in length.
Scabbard- Leather scabbard may have breaks, metal scabbard may be dented.
Poor - Fair Condition (grade 1-2):
Guard- May be bent or have broken quillion.
Grips- Grip covering shows loss and/or is missing the wire wrappings.
Blade- May be rusted or badly discolored, markings and etchings worn.
Scabbard- Scabbard may be broken or badly dented.
A sword in any worse condition could be considered a parts sword.
NOTE: Unusual features or presentation grade features will add to a sword's value as will certain high demand makers. All of these things make losses such as some pitting on a blade or a missing drag on a leather scabbard immaterial when the overall condition is evaluated and a value placed on an item. Another factor might be an historical provenance deemed important that may place a higher value on a sword which would otherwise be in only fair-good condition. This is often the case with Confederate swords. Finally, a presentation inscription may significantly increase a sword's value, depending on the documentation, provenance, and historical significance of the presenter or recipient.
Click on the items below to get to descriptions and pictures of that item.
*1812 Foot Artillery Officer's Sword
*1812 Mounted Officer's Saber
*
1812-1813 Starr Contract Cavalry Saber
*1822 British Pattern Cavalry Officer's Sword, Weyersburg, Solingen
*1840 Model Cavalry Saber, Import
*1840 Model Cavalry Saber, Ames, Inspected and dated
*1850 Militia Non-Commissioned Officer's Sword
*1850 Model Foot Officer Sword, W.H. Horstmann and Sons, Philadelphia
*1850 Model Foot Officer Sword, Ames, Inspected, dated 1850
*1850 Model Foot Officer Sword, French Import, Klingenthal
*1850 Model Foot Officer Sword, Weyersburg Import, Presentation-grade
*1850 Model Foot Officer Sword, Solingen-made. FOR SALE
*1850 Model Staff and Field Sword, Ames, presented
*1850 Model Staff and Field Sword, W. Clauberg
*1852 Model Naval Officer's sword, ID'd
*1852 Model Naval Officer's Sword, W. Clauberg
*1860 Model Cavalry Saber, Mansfield & Lamb, dated 1865- FOR SALE
*1860 Model Cavalry Saber, Ames, Inspected, dated 1858
*Non-Regulation Officer's Sword, Presented
American Swords and Maker's Marks, by C.D. Furr;
The American Sword 1775 - 1945, by Harold L. Peterson;
American Swords & Sword Makers, Vol. II, by Richard H. Bezdek;
Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers - A Study Of U.S. Cavalry & Artillery Sabers, 1833 - 1865, by John H. Thillmann;
Special thanks to the staff at North South Traders Civil War magazine for their most informative publications.
