Is this a Real or Repro. Sword?

[Newt]

This is a friends sword given to him by his Father. His father supposedly found it on a river bank years ago.
Newt

 

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[Smudge]

If it was found by a riverbed, I doubt it would be in that kind of condition, especially if it had been dropped during the latter half of the 19th century.

As to the sword itself, I would take it to a dealer because at least the hilt looks to be a reproduction

 

[kuger]

What does it say on the blade??Doesnt appear to have been subjected to the elements for very long??

 

[Newt]

It says Pettibone on the blade. Looks like it's inscribed.
Newt

 

[kuger]

Evidently the Pettibone Bros. were well known makers of Ceremonial swords for the Knights of Templar,Masons etc.My guess is that it does date to the early 1900's?

 

[IronSpike]

I think the river bank part of the story may be questionable as it's in remarkable good condition. I would definately have it checked by an expert as it looks real to me

Check out these US Model 1860 field and staff officer swords (noticed the 2nd one marked 'the pettibone mfg co.'):

http://arms2armor.com/Swords/1860fas.htm

 

[sniffer]

unless some kid took it out to play with and left it behind, it's questionable, however, have it checked out to make sure

 

[Lucas]

It does appear to be a staff officer's sword. The quality is actually very good. Look at the wire wrap on the handle. Not a repro.

 

[mile-ender]

If it was found by a riverbed, I doubt it would be in that kind of condition, especially if it had been dropped during the latter half of the 19th century.

I don't know... Sometimes depending on the river and the riverbed...
I tried to find an article I read sometime ago about a (19th century shipping?) boat that had been recovered from a riverbed and it's contents were pristine (including leather goods). I think they've developed some kind of museum from it... If I find the link I'll post it.

 

[Rooter]

It appears to be a real model 1860 Staff officers sword like others have said. I would guess turn of the century. Nothing about it says re pro to me. It doesn't look like it spent time exposed to the elements so that part of the story may be an embellishment. Nice Sword.

 

[kuger]

If it was found by a riverbed, I doubt it would be in that kind of condition, especially if it had been dropped during the latter half of the 19th century.

I don't know... Sometimes depending on the river and the riverbed...
I tried to find an article I read sometime ago about a (19th century shipping?) boat that had been recovered from a riverbed and it's contents were pristine (including leather goods). I think they've developed some kind of museum from it... If I find the link I'll post it.

I had a brain fart and lost the name of that boat,I have been to that museum and have the books,that was totally different,it was basically sealed in silt and clay perfectly preserved,much like the artifacts that come from the clay sludge of the San Francisco Bay,and the boat that was just found under the World Trade Center.

 

[savant365]

If it was found by a riverbed, I doubt it would be in that kind of condition, especially if it had been dropped during the latter half of the 19th century.

I don't know... Sometimes depending on the river and the riverbed...
I tried to find an article I read sometime ago about a (19th century shipping?) boat that had been recovered from a riverbed and it's contents were pristine (including leather goods). I think they've developed some kind of museum from it... If I find the link I'll post it.

I think you are referring to the steamboat Arabia that was dug up out of a corn field after the Missouri river changed course.

http://www.1856.com/

HH Charlie

 

[kuger]

If it was found by a riverbed, I doubt it would be in that kind of condition, especially if it had been dropped during the latter half of the 19th century.

I don't know... Sometimes depending on the river and the riverbed...
I tried to find an article I read sometime ago about a (19th century shipping?) boat that had been recovered from a riverbed and it's contents were pristine (including leather goods). I think they've developed some kind of museum from it... If I find the link I'll post it.

I think you are referring to the steamboat Arabia that was dug up out of a corn field after the Missouri river changed course.

http://www.1856.com/

HH Charlie

Yep,just remembered and was too late!!!I am ashamed of myself as that is one of my favorite subjects!!!Thanks!!

 

[Newt]

Keep'em coming. This is getting very interesting. I'll try to get him on here to discuss further. I hope it's real.
Newt

 

[RUNSWITHBEER]

Keep'em coming. This is getting very interesting. I'll try to get him on here to discuss further. I hope it's real.
Newt

alright here is the deal, i was told that it was supposedly found in a sandbar by my dad when he was a kid. He's 72 now ( i think ). If civil war era, like arm2arms site suggests based on size, that would have put the sword in the sandbar for about 60-80 years give or take a few. I remember 30 years ago my older brother using ut as a ninja sword chopping watermelons and things. A few years ago i ran across it at my moms house and decided to clean it up, ( i know yall are gonna freak out), but i used toothpaste to clean the handle and blade up. Thats when most of the leather that is missing came off. I regret doing that now,but its done. Anyway this is what i ended up with. I was really more or less wanting to know if it was real or a fake. I appreciate the comments and replies.

RWB

 

[Lucas]

A lot of people would love to own a sword like that. You are very lucky!

 

[NHBandit]

It's very real & a very cool find. They were made for many years by several different companies as well as imported and marked with the names of the US distributors. I have one that's marked WM Read & Sons, Boston Mass. Read & Sons didn't make them. They were the seller and were in business into the early 1900s and sold guns, swords & even golf clubs. Mine dosn't have the hole in the guard near the pomell that yours has. I wonder what used to go there. There were also versions that had a hinged guard opposite the fixed guard with the eagle on it. The grips were normally made of wood & covered with sharkskin & wound wire. In your pic I can see the wood showing in places where the leather is worn.

 

[mrs.oroblanco]

Man, that LOOKS real - and a GREAT find. (a "found by the riverbank" story could be an attempt at NOT saying where it was really gotten from) but,

If it were me, and I had that, I would definitely be checking it out, in person, with a professional who does NOT want to buy it from you (values
tend to go down if someone wants to purchase something), and getting it appraised - and insured.

Fandamtastic!!!!

Beth

 

[Lucas]

Mine dosn't have the hole in the guard near the pomell that yours has. I wonder what used to go there.

Sword knot.

 

[RUNSWITHBEER]

hey thanks for all the replies, i'm really enjoying reading the posts. Thanks to newt for posting the topic also