Family Civil War Saber-Help Identify

[mauser9]

Makes me think of the sword my brother-in-law found while he was stationed in S.Carolina in the 70s. Near a construction site found a sword half sticking out of the ground. I only saw it once but recall it had a partially intact wood grip. Unfortunately got stolen when he lived in some ****** dump. A real shame.

 

[VaTom]

Most likely impossible to prove, but I bet it was Confederate carried. As previously stated, they would carry and use any weapon they could find. Very nice piece of history. Hopefully no one will alter or clean it in any way and leave it as is. Thanks for showing.

I have already advised my cousin about no cleaning it. He said he used to play with it outside whaking apples when he was a kid in the 1960s. His dad (my uncle) removed it from our grandfather's house when he died in 1953 and kept it in the hall closet for 60 years.

 

[delta-419]

Civil War Stuff

I really like this thread, Civil War stuff. My family hails from Seminary, MS now a part of Hattiesburg. Having heard family stories of the war handed down through the years, the reality of which becomes faded with each generation, the artifacts of that conflict become more important. Lest we forget. The sword in these photos is dated 1865 and is an Ames-Roby. It was found in a prewar house hanging in the attic on a nail in on an old brick chimney. A friend traded it with me for an old Western 44mag six shooter.

 

[mauser9]

Awesome discovery and thanks for showing. Imagine how long it hung there. Glad it was discovered and makes a treasured heirloom

 

[oneeyedpete]

Many Civil War participants on both sides had served in the US Army during the Mexican American War or had a father that had served in that war. It is possible the op's sword was originally possessed by a family member that brought it back from the earlier conflict. Lots of weapons used in the Civil War were brought in by volunteers. At the outset of the war both sides were very short on weapons.

 

[beagleye]

Using whatever they could get included collecting the contents of bedpans for the manufacture of gunpowder.

There was song written during the War about this; however, some of the lyrics aren't family friendly.

I am curious about the song, but more curious about how you make poop and/or pee into gun powder. Nitrogen from urine?

 

[mauser9]

Yup priceless relics for sure! Again if only they could talk! love to hear the stories of their real past.

 

[desi2358]

The government offered many Union troops the option to buy their issued weapons when they mustered out of service after the war ended. They knew there was a vast number of weapons in service that were quickly becoming obsolete and felt it was a quick way to be rid of them and put a little money back in the Treasury. Shortly afterward they began to auction off both US and captured weapons in huge auctions, many went overseas, many went to the domestic market. Sears was still selling old muskets that had been cut down and bored out as shotguns in the early 1900's while Bannermans continued to sell military "collectibles" such as guns and gear clear into the 1940's.

As to Confederate troops, after the surrender at Appomattox officers generally kept their sidearms (I believe the same deal was made for Johnsons men in the Carolinas) while organized troops turned in their muskets. There were certainly some men who simply went home with their guns because they were no longer with their units or they were part of a unit who had been separated and did not appear for the formal surrender. As word spread some smaller forces just dissolved and the men left for home, some decided to head west to Texas (or anywhere else really). It was a long, slow surrender and certainly some men kept their guns. Other who had turned theirs in may well have picked one up later as a remembrance of what they had during the war to tell their story and keep memories alive..........

 

[CajunBass]

I am curious about the song, but more curious about how you make poop and/or pee into gun powder. Nitrogen from urine?

I can't comment on "how" but you'll find the lyrics to the song here.

The John Harrolson nitre song - Authentic Campaigner

 

[Muley Gil]

I am curious about the song, but more curious about how you make poop and/or pee into gun powder. Nitrogen from urine?

Exactly! Niter from urine.

 

[beagleye]

Choice piece of the song-

"We thought the girls had work enough, making shirts and kissing
But you have put the pretty dears, to patriotic pissing."