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Civil War saber

Cornflk1
Was just on the auction side looking at civil was items. Got to wondering.

I have a calvery saber with proof marks that I bought in New Orleans several years ago. However, the shark skin covering on the handle has fallen apart. Anyone have any thoughts as to having it restored. There is a reputable company in California that does restorations on sword and sabers, but I'm uncertain if a restoration will deminish the value.
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  • Cornflk1
    I have a Civil War light calvery saber that I bought in a New Orleans antique shop back in the middle 70's. It has some interesting proof and inport marks that are interesting, but no proven history to the orginal ownership.

    However, over the years the shark skin grip has begun to fall apart and the underlaying cloth cord is coming apart.

    Don't really want to lessen the value by a restoration job, but then again would like to restore this saber.

    Your thoughts anyone??? And if possible please refer me to someone who might restore if I choose to go that option.

    Thanks in advance
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    IMO .... The worse it gets, the less its gonna be worth...A Good Swordsmith can make it worth a lot more than time and old age...
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  • Spider7115
    Tom Nardi does excellent restorations and also has parts. His website is http://www.cds1.net/~nardi/swords/index.htm
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  • Cornflk1
    Spider, thanks a bunch for the site. Exactlly what I'm looking for.
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by Cornflk1
    Spider, thanks a bunch for the site. Exactlly what I'm looking for.


    You're very welcome. Good luck! [:)]
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  • Fatstrat
    Import marks? IMO your 1st task should be verifying it's authenticity. As with most valueable historical collectibles, there are some very convincing looking Civil War sword fakes out there. And most are imports. And this wouldn't be the 1st time I've heard of one acquired in New Orleans.
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  • Cornflk1
    Fatstrat, I'm sure of the proof marks. It shows the proof mark of Alex Coppel of Germany, as well as export proof marks where it was exported through Liege, Belgium and one other mark that I haven't identified as yet.

    The blade is in great shape other than the leather grip falling apart. The scabbard is somewhat well worn with a small indentation half way down. I had always thought that the scabbard dent was from the sabre getting caught in a door, however after reading from the web site that Spider sent, it appears that dents were placed there on purpose to keep the sabre from "rattling" in the scabbard, which to me only adds to the history.
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