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Sword expert question

cknerr
Could you help please? A customer has asked me to cut these civil war swords down to something the length of a long knife. The reason is they will not sell as they are now. When the swords are shorten, I am to make scabbards for them. If these are common, I will consider it. The big thing bothering me is ethics....I don't like destroying history. Since they will be made to look they where made from broken swords (not an uncommon occurrence)....Civ-war-swords.jpg

Thanks for your advice,
Chris
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Comments

13 comments

Date Votes
  • Henry0Reilly
    If those are genuine Civil War era swords the guy just isn't trying to sell them in the right place.

    Any chance he would sell them to you?
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  • tsavo303
    how much was he asking?
    he is gonna ruin the value by altering[xx(]
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  • yoshmyster
    Aren't there legal issues with hand gards on knives (but none on swords) in some states? Something about "Brass knuckles".

    Now since you're just getting paid to do a "job" and not save history choices are simple do it or refuse it. Or better yet have dude grind it down himself and bring it to fix it the way he wants (then you're a restorer[:D]).
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  • MosinNagantDisciple
    Sounds extremely fishy to me. Why would they gain value from being mutilated like that? I am no expert on swords of any kind, but it seems to go against the general rule of historical artifacts (the more original the item, the more value it has).

    I would pass on this - or let the guy buy the sword as is and let him do the dirty work.
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  • oldemagics
    while no expert, i dont remember seeing a solid cast handle like the one on the top (civil war era style)
    the one on the bottom is either a VERY expensive relic or a repro, as it is a "gladius" (sp) of the type carried by the roman gladiators

    but as far as i remember, both would have had a plain cast or wood handle wrapped with leather or cord, not with cast spirals
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  • wipala
    quote:Originally posted by oldemagics
    while no expert, i dont remember seeing a solid cast handle like the one on the top (civil war era style)
    the one on the bottom is either a VERY expensive relic or a repro, as it is a "gladius" (sp) of the type carried by the roman gladiators

    but as far as i remember, both would have had a plain cast or wood handle wrapped with leather or cord, not with cast spirals
    Not a gladius an artillary sword
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  • tccox
    How much is he asking for them "as is"? What is he going to as after they are cut down? Serious question. Tom
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  • cknerr
    If the guy would sell them, can I post that price here? I am new to this board, so don't know the rules and don't want to start out on the wrong foot!

    The guy wants to cut the swords down so they are more sell-able. They have been taking up space and they need to move on.

    I'll ask him what he wants for them. He also can authenticate them. I think they are both artillery officer's swords. One was made in 1833, don't know about the other. (don't know much about them period)

    Thanks, I'll get back shortly.
    Chris
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  • Henry0Reilly
    quote:Originally posted by cknerr
    If the guy would sell them, can I post that price here? I am new to this board, so don't know the rules and don't want to start out on the wrong foot!

    The guy wants to cut the swords down so they are more sell-able. They have been taking up space and they need to move on.

    I'll ask him what he wants for them. He also can authenticate them. I think they are both artillery officer's swords. One was made in 1833, don't know about the other. (don't know much about them period)

    Thanks, I'll get back shortly.
    Chris


    Um, actually there aren't supposed to be any offers to buy, sell, or trade here in the forums.

    I flat guarantee that if you put them up for auction and allow for a 3 day inspection to verify authenticity, there will be bids.
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  • spryor
    I don't recall seeing any cast brass handles for that era either.
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  • buschmaster
    I think I do remember seeing examples of cast brass and cast iron handles. (more did have wood handles w/ cast hilt) ...but I'm not an expert, so my opinion is worthless. sorry.
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  • cknerr
    Thanks for your replies guys.

    I sent an email to him asking about prices and what they are specifically. Can't imagine there will be a problem if i sold them....he would be pleasantly surprised.

    Also asked him about authenticating. He is pretty knowledgeable about civil war era firearms, we'll see how far it extends into swords.

    Thanks,
    Chris

    BTW, how do you add pictures to show up as an avatar or in your signiture? I added one to my profile. Followed instructions on using an http address. Nothing shows up... Thanks!
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  • cknerr
    Got an answer from him. Since I do not have anything set up yet to sell here, please email me if you are interested. I'll take care of the logistics. There is a link to my website in the signature below -click on the "Contact Us" to find out how to find me. I apologize for making you run around Robin Hood's barn -I don't want to cause too much trouble....yet. [:D] I am setting up a "store" with some help from a friends.

    this is what he just sent me:

    "...The artillery sword with the scabbard [the lower sword in the picture]is a French model 1833 imported by the Confederacy for use in the Civil War. There is no proof of that but these swords were imported from France and they were not really so effective so it is generally assumed that any found in the US are Civil War used. It is $***...I would take a little less if I had to since that is what I would be asking after you cut it down.

    The second sword is Spanish cavalry and is signed and dated. I am asking $***.

    Sell them both if you can

    B**

    ..."



    Take care,
    Chris
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