Virginia Manufactory Swords

M ELEY · 7th July 2009, 08:15 AM

Not much to add, other than that I've always loved these swords. They seemed to span the past century, with their slotted guards, while representing the swords that were to come. As already stated, many were used in both the Mexican War and during the Civil War. A few years back, I saw one of these in a CW catalog with a Tenn regiment etched on the side. So much history in one package. I also think it is a testiment to the strength and fortitude of the state of Virginia that they had started their own arms making at such an early period. On a side-note, just read a great article on the Virginia State Navy from the Rev War period (yep...they even created their own in that department as well). Mentions the use of 2 pound cannon balls for their swivel guns. Be pretty gruesome to get hit with one of those.
Anyway, thank you, Glen, for presenting this sword here.

Jim McDougall · 12th July 2009, 06:29 PM

I note that this thread has been neglected, which I surely would like to rectify as Glen has been kind enough to initiate it here. I think these early American contract and issue sabres are among the most fascinating examples as they are of course relatively rare and information is not readily available.
I'd like to thank Glen again for providing these great links, which are tremendously helpful as resources for learning more on them.

While I continue to hope that more examples will appear here, one thing that seems significant is the huge blades on these original Virginia Manufactory examples....some 40.5" long!! It would seem that most (perhaps all?) of these were shortened to 35" in the Civil War, and it would be good to know if original examples in that form still exist.

It is interesting to know that many of the swordsmiths in the Manufactory were apparantly German smiths and perhaps other immigrants of the same occupation. It almost seems as if this developed into a sort of American version of the Hounslow factories, in analogy at least.

Thank you for responding Mark, and you always have something to add!!!
no matter how small you think it is, your interesting notes and comments always add wonderful dimension to the discussion at hand.....and whassup with two pound cannon balls!!! must have been a heck of a swivel gun!
Well said on Virginia, very independant and proud state.

All best regards,
Jim

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7th July 2009, 08:15 AM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,171	Not much to add, other than that I've always loved these swords. They seemed to span the past century, with their slotted guards, while representing the swords that were to come. As already stated, many were used in both the Mexican War and during the Civil War. A few years back, I saw one of these in a CW catalog with a Tenn regiment etched on the side. So much history in one package. I also think it is a testiment to the strength and fortitude of the state of Virginia that they had started their own arms making at such an early period. On a side-note, just read a great article on the Virginia State Navy from the Rev War period (yep...they even created their own in that department as well). Mentions the use of 2 pound cannon balls for their swivel guns. Be pretty gruesome to get hit with one of those. Anyway, thank you, Glen, for presenting this sword here.

12th July 2009, 06:29 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,352	I note that this thread has been neglected, which I surely would like to rectify as Glen has been kind enough to initiate it here. I think these early American contract and issue sabres are among the most fascinating examples as they are of course relatively rare and information is not readily available. I'd like to thank Glen again for providing these great links, which are tremendously helpful as resources for learning more on them. While I continue to hope that more examples will appear here, one thing that seems significant is the huge blades on these original Virginia Manufactory examples....some 40.5" long!! It would seem that most (perhaps all?) of these were shortened to 35" in the Civil War, and it would be good to know if original examples in that form still exist. It is interesting to know that many of the swordsmiths in the Manufactory were apparantly German smiths and perhaps other immigrants of the same occupation. It almost seems as if this developed into a sort of American version of the Hounslow factories, in analogy at least. Thank you for responding Mark, and you always have something to add!!! no matter how small you think it is, your interesting notes and comments always add wonderful dimension to the discussion at hand.....and whassup with two pound cannon balls!!! must have been a heck of a swivel gun! Well said on Virginia, very independant and proud state. All best regards, Jim