Presented for thecollector of Confederate edged weapons is this archaic looking specimen that is very typical of \"ersatz\" or \"make-do\"edged weapons produced by rural blacksmiths in the south to arm local militia and even regular Confederate troops. This saber is in untouched, uncleaned, as-found condition and originated from a very old collection replete with such weapons. Oral history records that this piece was collected in western Virginia in the 1960\'s. The problem with attribution lies with the very nature of the absence of \"official patterns\" of arms in Confederate service and simple logistics. Thus, a hand-made knife from the 1850\'s or even 1870\'s could \"pass\" as Confederate. Some unscrupulous dealers will even try to fob off Mexican or Filipino pieces as Confederate. The one thing I can state with certainty is that this is American and primitive to the core. The blade was scavenged from an earlier ca. 1830\'s saber, likely an \"eagle head.\" The blade length is 29 inches and the overall length is 34 1/2 inches. Remnants of the typical line etching of those blades remain in the fullers and at the ricasso. The letter \"W\" appears on the ricasso in a foliate band. This is either a mark indicating \"warranted\" or is an importer\'s mark of F. W. Widmann who was a well-known retailer of such swords from 1816-1848. The hilt is a simple piece of squared hickory that has been pinned to the tang with copper pins. The patina, form, and overall impact indicates to the knowledgeable viewer that it is undoubtedly of the mid-19th century and original to the period of use. The most important element of the ensemble is the forged iron \"half-guard.\" This very distinctive hilt form is pictured in Norm Flayderman\'s book \"The Bowie Knife\" on page 208. Flayderman states that the illustrated piece (which is nearly identical save for the blade) has a Texas provenance and the handle is incised \"14\'TH TEXAS.\" You might argue the point with me, but you can\'t argue the marked similarity with the specimen in Flayderman\'s book. If it had a spear point or clip point bowie blade it would be identical! Unfortunately, we will never know for certain with any \"ersatz\" piece such as this, but nothing says it isn\'t \"Confederate\" or \"Texas\" and it MOST certainly has \"that look\" and REAL patina which is untouched. In fact, the piece could pre-date the Civil War and be an earlier relic of the Texan War for Independence which was carried north on an equally noble crusade.This fine piece would compliment any collection of Confederate edged weapons or \"Texian\" material. It certainly speaks to the romance of Confederate armsWITHOUT the $20,000 mark-up. The hilt, grip, and patina is a \"one-looker.\"It may not say \"Nashville PlowWorks,\" but you won\'t be disappointed with the look!
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NOTE: The shipping charges are reflective of USPS Priority Mail rates and additional packing materials. I will invoice only those shipping and insurance charges (if more than the basic $50 coverage rate is required) obtained from the USPS website with special expenses or previously discussed requests excepted. International buyers should contact me to discuss terms, insurance, and or viability of shipping to your country. Specialized packing materials, boxes, or other arrangements may cost more with large or oddly-sized items. Pleaseunderstand the extra cost and time involved if that is necessary.I will make the shippingas safe, secure, above board, and cheap as possible.
Contact: Communication is the operative act in any transaction. I will be more than happy to engage in a dialogue about a particular item before and after the close of the sale. Please ask any questions that might influence your offerding prior to the end of the sale. I will consider the item yours after you have won it. Please tender payment within 3 days of the close of the sale. I will, of course, send a reminder toward the end of that time. I will endeavor to answer any question promptly and accurately to the level of detail required for your satisfaction. I will also indulge additional photo requests if the posted photos do not illustrate a particular aspect ofthe item you are curious about. Rest assured that the photos and description accurately depict the item being saleed. What you see is what you get. The sooner I receive funds, the sooner your item leaves my hands!
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Shipping: USPS Priority Mail is my \"service of choice.\" If you want something different let me know and I will attempt to accommodate you if I can. Oddly shaped items that do not fit into the standard Priority Mail boxes may be more or less expensive depending on weight. The beauty of Priority Mail is that it is a flat rate. Contact me at the close of the sale if you feel the need to choose another USPS service or carrier. Large items or items requiring a special box, packing, or freight charges will require a little more legwork on my part, but I will make every effort to get it to you as safely, quickly,and economically practical as possible and will promptly update you accordingly. I will combine shipping on multiple purchases when applicable.
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Thank you for yourbusiness and I look forward to serving you again!
