| If you have watched Antique Roadshow on PBS, you might be surprised at
the value of swords similar to the one you described. I suggest you
take it to a reputable antique dealer who specializes in this type of
antique. If you live in the greater Maynard area, Robert Skinner would
be a good choice.
|
| Bayonets are not generally comparable (in worth) to swords.
This is generally attributal to their numbers and lack of
"history". The missing scabbard significantly impacts its
value, as you can imagine.
They do have worth, however.
Without seeing it, I would say it's European manufacture
(brass handle) and probably French. Just a guess.
I am not into Civil War stuff. WWII blades used to be my
passion. I did have one in my possession (briefly) in
the early '80s. I can tell you I paid $30.00 on it back
then, but that price may have no bearing on its worth
today.
If they are any marks on the blade (or under the handles)
it would help someone else in here identify it and maybe
provide a value.
Chip
|
|
Hi,
Chip is right on the money. French blockade runners would bring arms
in for the South's use,some arms came up through Mexico as well. The
origin would be in the markings,on the blade,tang,or handle material.
If it was produced by a Southern Armory,for use in the CSA,it would be
of greater value,naturally. Some CSA arms are rare,due to the limited
production capability,of Southern Cottage Armorys,and combat
interferences in production. Some Brevet units were supplied by
Plantation owners,thus small fighting units of men would have different
arms,but would be uniform to the specific group of aligned combatants.
Bayonets are generally more prolific,than swords,because every
military musket,rifle,or whatever,would have something,like a bayonet
for the all to often,hand to hand combat,use. Swords were for the use
of NCOs and Officers. So you can see infantrymen out numbered both NCOs
and Officiers,therefore thier equipment,would be more plentiful,for
collectors,to pick over.
Joe
You could also try (SMURF::CIVIL_WAR) as a source of information.
|
|
I have to dig through my reference material at home. True, the
French Chateueax-style musket saber-bayonet came to mind, but
the date recalls more of the rare (U.S.)Remington 1861 Musket.
Walk into a local Barnes & Noble and look for a book now reprinted
called "Civil War Collectors Encyclopedia", by Lord. It was originally
several volumes, now condensed into two I believe: vol.1-2-3, vol.4-5.
This should give you a good selection of pictures to go by.
Many, but not all, confederate weapons were marked by the
foundry/maker, many were also direct copies of their Northern
counterparts, just marked differently or brass was substituted for
steel in some cases.
/John
|