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Kirk Williams





Joined: 27 Apr 2010

Posts: 5

PostPosted: Tue 27 Apr, 2010 11:35 am    Post subject: Newbie here trying to identify sword......         Reply with quote

This was my grandfathers sword, and I cannot find any info on it. The blade measures 28" in length, and the handle appears to be solid silver. I have tried to show the hallmarks as best as possible, but they are very hard to make out. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335337_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335363_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335392_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335460_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335568_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335636_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335823_o.jpg
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335895_o.jpg
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Artis Aboltins




PostPosted: Tue 27 Apr, 2010 12:46 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Looks like smallsword to me, but I am not really an expert in this type of weapons. The peak of poppularity for this type of sword was in the late 17th and most of 18th centuries, as far as I know, tho they survived as part of dress uniforms for various establishments for a good while longer. Sorry I can not be of more help, but I am sure someone more knowledgable in the subject can help you identify it.
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Glen A Cleeton




Location: Nipmuc USA
Joined: 21 Aug 2003

Posts: 1,968

PostPosted: Tue 27 Apr, 2010 2:31 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

A nice piece. You might enjoy the following site to browse but I don't recall an exacting match. yes, likely 18th century and most likely around the middle of that period. Some other texts may show some trends that are similar.

http://swordlinks.com/courtswords/intro.html

The marks on the hilt parts appear to be silver hallmarks and can likey be pinpointed

Here are a couple i have bookmarked that may be of help

http://www.925-1000.com/americansilver_C.html

http://www.purelysilver.info/londonmakers.html

http://www.925-1000.com/index.html

Cheers

GC
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Kirk Williams





Joined: 27 Apr 2010

Posts: 5

PostPosted: Tue 27 Apr, 2010 4:52 pm    Post subject: sword.....         Reply with quote

Thanks for the info. I have checked those hallmarks sites, and have been unable to find a match. But I did see several swords of this type on the other site you recommended. I would just love to be able to pin down the maker and a more accurate date. But I know more now than I did before! Thanks again!
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Glen A Cleeton




Location: Nipmuc USA
Joined: 21 Aug 2003

Posts: 1,968

PostPosted: Tue 27 Apr, 2010 5:59 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Hi Kirk,

I browsed through Neuman's Swords and Blades of the American Revolution and his 202s and 218s kind of underline the timeline as mid century 18th century. One regarded as English, the other American made. That doesn't mean much except that they are somewhat similar in build. I'm not remembering another title for English silver cutlers but there is a great and ongoing thread at Sword Forum International at the head of the Antique&Military room.

http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56806

As I have not reviewed the entirety of that thread but it may be worth your registering and posting to that thread.

Cheers

GC
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Kirk Williams





Joined: 27 Apr 2010

Posts: 5

PostPosted: Wed 28 Apr, 2010 2:01 pm    Post subject: sword....         Reply with quote

Glen, could you tell me what price range this type of sword usually sells for? Thanks again!
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Kirk Williams





Joined: 27 Apr 2010

Posts: 5

PostPosted: Fri 30 Apr, 2010 2:11 pm    Post subject: sword......         Reply with quote

I have posted this on another site as well. The concensus seems to be that it dates from 1710-1750. Several people have also said the hallmarks are not English. I posted the pics of the hallmarks to a couple of sites, and no one has been able to id them. I did receive an unsolicited e-mail today offering me $300.00 for the sword. I'm not going to be hasty in deciding what to do with it....
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Mark A Smith




Location: Portland, OR
Joined: 13 Nov 2009
Reading list: 7 books

Posts: 30

PostPosted: Fri 30 Apr, 2010 2:28 pm    Post subject: Re: sword......         Reply with quote

Kirk Williams wrote:
I have posted this on another site as well. The concensus seems to be that it dates from 1710-1750. Several people have also said the hallmarks are not English. I posted the pics of the hallmarks to a couple of sites, and no one has been able to id them. I did receive an unsolicited e-mail today offering me $300.00 for the sword. I'm not going to be hasty in deciding what to do with it....


I wouldn't be in a hurry to decide what to do with it either, Kirk. I don't know if you're interested in swords, or if you were close to your grandfather, but either one would be a good reason to hang on to this sword. It's a nice example of a smallsword and if you're not in a hurry to cash it in, I'd say this is a bad time to sell. Even collectors have to pay their bills and it's a buyers market right now. My guess is $300 is a lowball offer from someone hoping you don't know what you have. Get it appraised if you are serious about selling it. It's worth the investment.

"...nothing can hurt me as long as I keep this bucket on my head."
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Jonathan Hopkins




PostPosted: Fri 30 Apr, 2010 4:33 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I agree with Mark. It will be worth your time and money to get a professional opinion.
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Glen A Cleeton




Location: Nipmuc USA
Joined: 21 Aug 2003

Posts: 1,968

PostPosted: Fri 30 Apr, 2010 4:49 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Hi Kirk,

Even if best intentioned, soliciting appraisals can be a poor way to learn of loss or profit. The market for viewing sales is wide open and a better way to judge for yourself what a piece might bring. Haste makes waste.

What I am reading elsewhere is that it is a done deal and I hope it works out for you and the buyer. I can't say I'm shocked folk enter boards with these questions simply to flip an item without any real intention of educating themselves more about a given object. Reluctance to do other's research is reflected by time loss. When we see someone really caring and not just showing continued interest and even minimal contributions back, it feels a bit more like community.

I want my cut Big Grin Big Grin

Cheers

GC Razz
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Don Stanko




Location: ohio
Joined: 27 Apr 2004
Likes: 1 page
Reading list: 482 books

Posts: 255

PostPosted: Fri 30 Apr, 2010 6:24 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I would say your sword is worth much more than $300.00. Without looking at it in person its hard to say, but I would take no less than $750.00, and that may even be a low estimate (as long as the hilt is silver).
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Patrik Erik Lars Lindblom




Location: Göteborg Sweden
Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Reading list: 8 books

Posts: 411

PostPosted: Fri 30 Apr, 2010 8:39 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I dont know if my eye's fools me, but this picture http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335392_o.jpg
Looks like a guy whit a rifle and he reads a book,
"in god we trust" is what i get in my head, 1776 or something.

is it a CB or just a B, look's like a C over B, and a arrow in the B to, all in a shield or house.
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335460_o.jpg

this one looks like a flower and i belive are makers mark/stamp
Dont know if it's a hand or tool in it.
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/0/1/3/8/6/webimg/368335363_o.jpg


my two cent Big Grin

Frid o Fröjd!
Patrik
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Kirk Williams





Joined: 27 Apr 2010

Posts: 5

PostPosted: Sat 01 May, 2010 7:45 am    Post subject: sword....         Reply with quote

Wow! Thanks all for your information! I have learned so much from just this one sword. Luckily, I got bombarded with e-mails right before I sent the e-mail to the guy accepting his offer, so the sword remains mine! Basically, everyone was screaming at me not to sell it for $300, which was a good thing! Again, I thank each and every one of your for your input!

Kirk
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