Tom Donoho wrote: |
And I recall seeing in a catalog about 20 years ago 2 examples with turned wooden grips (in imitation of wire wrapping but no actual wrapping--grips looked original with patina and very good fit to the hilts) given a date of c. 1775-80. Would these have been for non-coms or junior officers, perhaps? |
These are usually 1796''s that have had the foil removed Tom. Instead of a wire wrap some grips had a sheath of silver put over the wooden core and then imbossed with a wire pattern, probably in a press of some sort. Over time the wood shrinks and the silver foil loosens, tears and is removed, leaving the embossed pattern on the wood.
I have seen early ones with ebony grips cut in a spiral however.
David