Here's one I've had for a while. I initially thought it was a Michigan militia sword, but some research leads me to think it's a Lifesaving Service sword. Any thoughts? thanks, W

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It's Kirschbaum marked on one side and M.C.Lilley & Co. on the other. A nicely chased blade.W

There is a very similar sword here that's described as "Lt. Charles B. Gatewood's Life Saving Service sword". Your sword appears to be in much better condition.

I've never heard of a "lifesaving service sword" before. Where's a reputable place with information?

M.

Here are the Liliey dates

LILLEY AMES CO.
Columbus Ohio 1951-1953

THE LILLEY-AMES CO.
Columbus Ohio 1931-1951

THE LILLEY CO.
Columbus Ohio 1925-1931 THE M. C. LILLEY & CO
Columbus Ohio 1882-1925

M. C. LILLEY & CO
Columbus Ohio 1865-1882

MITCHELL C. LILLEY
Columbus Ohio up to 1865

Other notes put the treasury dept organizing the Life Saving Service in/between 1871 -1878, so that would narrow the distribution of the sword to that timeline between 1871 and 1882 but there may have been lots of entire swords marked that way, with the scabbard coming along later.. As mentioned, the basic sword pattern itself pre dates the American Civil War.

Cheers

GC