Old South Military Antiques, LLC Catalog

Beginning in 1804, the Virginia Manufactory located in Richmond, Virginia manufactured rifles, muskets, pistols and swords for the state of Virginia. The manufactory fell into disuse after 1822 and was not revived until January of 1861 when war seemed eminent.

During the years between 1804 and 1821, the manufactory produced three styles of Cavalry Sabres. The First Model with a huge 40.5 inch blade, used a square nut capstan; the Second Model had a similar blade, but a peened bird’s head pommel, and a Third Model with the same guard as the Second, but a shorter 36 inch long blade. The Third Model was introduced in 1808 and with some interruption, continued until 1821.

Some of these Third Model swords had their spines stamped with one of the four Virginia Cavalry Regimental numbers to which it was issued. This is one of those Regimentally marked examples; it is stamped "1^st Va Regt”

As originally made these swords were carried on an over the shoulder cross belt with frog attachment. By 1860, cross belts had been largely replaced by sword belts equipped with hangers, whenever possible. As a consequence, Virginia contracted with James T. Ames of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts in 1860 to have the blades of 1000 Third Model Virginia cavalry swords slimmed to a light cavalry sword and re-sheathed in a custom made iron scabbard with brass mounts. Fortunately, Ames was prompt and had the swords finished and returned to Virginia prior to the blockade cutting off commerce between the two countries. Virginia purchased sword belts to go with these swords from Emerson Gaylord, also of Chicopee, to go with the swords. These belts carried the cast Virginia State Seal plates.

Swords were in short supply and high demand; many Cavalry units went to war unarmed. The finely finished Virginia Manufactory Swords were available and were issued to the earliest Virginia Cavalry Regiments and are often seen in photographs of the 1^stVirginia’s troopers.

The leather grip wrap found on this sword pattern is virtually always gone, and this is no exception, further, the "toe” of the wooden grip is missing. The guard is completely tight. The blade is simply second to none, it is beautifully bright and nick free. The blade has been sharpened, but because the blade has no patina, it is impossible to say if it was sharpened, then, or now. The scabbard is as nice as the blade, it is nearly perfect and smooth. There are two very light pushes, so light they are hard to see. There is also a sharp indention in the forward fold near the drag. It appears to have been struck with a pistol ball.

Because the Ames alteration was done for the State of Virginia just as the War was approaching, this is positively identified as a primary Confederate weapon.

latex dresses| latex clothes| latex clothes| latex dresses uk|