Western Hemisphere Swords)

53_78_weatherly 12/30/05 9:45 AM Page 53 Swords of the Americas (Western Hemisphere Swords) George E. Weatherly Figure 1. Flags of the Americas. nomenclature of a sword and the unique terminology used to I have been a member of this organization for 25 years, describe it, since these terms will be used throughout this some of you I have known longer than that . It has been presentation. The word sword is commonly used as a generic my privilege to have hosted two meetings, served as term applied to all types of long blade weapons. However, Secretary-treasurer, Vice President, and President of A.S.A.C Webster’s Dictionary defines: . I still have one obligation to fulfill and that is my pur- pose in being here today; to deliver this paper . At this time I would like to introduce you to some of my contributors. (Figures 2 and 3) I am sure that many, if not most of you, know more about swords than I do. But for the few who are unfamiliar with these edged weapons, I would like to briefly review the Figure 3. Emiliano Zapata, Mexican Revolutionary, c1915. Proudly Figure 2. A group of Mexican rurales (local police). holding his lion head sword and Winchester. Reprinted from the American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin 92:53-78 92/53 Additional articles available at http://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/resources/articles/ 53_78_weatherly 12/30/05 9:45 AM Page 54 “Patton” model (Figure 5). General George S. Patton was credited with the design. The use of ceremonial swords continues today, i.e., parades and affairs of state. Ceremonial swords have been produced for all military branches: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. In some Latin American Nations swords are also produced for their National Police forces. Diplomatic versions, although not in use today, can be found. One category, which to date has been largely overlooked by collectors, is Western Hemisphere Swords (Swords of the Americas). Perhaps one reason this field of sword collecting has been overlooked is that there exist few publica- tions devoted to the topic. It is hoped that the material presented here will Figure 4. Nomenclature of a sword diagram. awaken interest among individuals who SWORD—“A weapon (as a cutlass, rapier) with a long are looking for a new, affordable, and fas- blade for cutting or thrusting often used as a symbol of cinating field of collecting. honor or authority.” SABER or SABRE—“A cavalry sword with a curved blade, thick back, and guard.” For this presentation, all curved blade weapons are labeled SABER, and all with straight blades are labeled SWORD. Two terms not noted on the diagram are “stopped fullers” and “unstopped fullers.” To explain: The fuller is a groove running down the length of a blade on one or both sides. It may be narrow or broad, shallow or deep, and there may be more than one on the blade. If the end of the fuller nearest the guard ends abruptly in a straight line parallel to the guard at the ricasso, it is referred to as a stopped fuller. If the fuller ends smoothly in a gently rounded shape, that is called an unstopped fuller. Collectors around the world exhibit interest in many types and styles of swords. Most collectors specialize by type or nationality of the weapon. Examples are: Antique, Modern, Ceremonial, Combat, American, English, German, Japanese, Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Then there are those who identify themselves as “General Collectors” and collect all of the above. The use of swords as primary combat weapons was dis- continued by most nations following World War I. Combat sword production seems to have ended by the late 1930’s, although a few countries still continued their use until World War II (example, Japan). The last official U.S. combat sword was the Springfield Model 1913, commonly known as the Figure 5. U.S. Model 1913, “Patton Model” last U.S. combat sword. 92/54 53_78_weatherly 12/30/05 9:45 AM Page 55 Figure 6. The Western Hemisphere. HISTORY The history of the Western Hemisphere in which we live is rich in significant events. Swords were an integral part Figure 8. Four Latin American sword hilts, typical of imperial of that history. Originally, the Western Hemisphere was com- German styles. posed of colonies of Europe’s Maritime nations. Great several Latin American nations, was another factor in their Britain, France, Holland, Spain, and Portugal were the major choice of weapons (Figure 9). Even after they became inde- participants. From the early Explorers and Conquistadors to pendent, the former colonies used adaptations of European World War II, swords were used as side arms. Until practical swords and most were in fact produced by the major European firearm development was well advanced, they were most sword makers. A majority of the America’s swords were manu- often the weapon of choice. factured by the famous sword makers of Toledo (Spain) and This study does not delve into colonial history. It Solingen (Germany). A lesser number were from France and begins when the Western Hemisphere colonies became England. With the exception of the United States and one or independent nations. Though it is not a history book, it does two others, most Western Hemisphere nations lacked sufficient offer directly significant snippets as background information expertise and manufacturing capability to produce quality for the swords included in the text. swords; therefore, they contracted with established foreign SWORD DESIGN manufacturers to produce weapons to their specifications. Quite naturally, designs for some Swords of the Americas evolved from those used by the European mother nations. Canada has used standard British swords surcharged with Canadian markings (Figure 7). Many Latin American countries’ sword styles were influenced by the edged weapons of Spain and Imperial Germany (1871–1918) (Figure 8). Also the strong influence of foreign military advisors, which were employed by Figure 9. Box container and example color plate. One of 50 in set Figure 7. Canadian surcharge markings on M1906 British Cavalry showing official Mexican uniform styles (c1868). Very similar to sword, large letter C with broad arrow inside. imperial Prussian uniforms of same era. 92/55 53_78_weatherly 12/30/05 9:45 AM Page 56 HISTORIC PRODUCTION CENTERS FOR SWORDS The English towns of Birmingham and Sheffield are OF THE AMERICAS famous for their production of fine steel products, including cutlery and swords. Sheffield has been a center of cutlery Toledo, Spain, is a city of pre-Roman origin. Originally manufacture since the 14th century. The governing body of known as Toletum, it fell to the Romans in 193 BC. When the cutlery manufacturers, the Cutlers’ Company, was founded in sword was an important weapon, the Toledo sword blades Sheffield in 1624. The first Bessemer process steelworks were were famous for their elasticity, strength, and craftsmanship. built in 1859, in Sheffield. Robert Mole & Sons of Birmingham, The art of blade engraving and decoration, introduced by maker of one of the Canadian swords in this presentation, was Moorish artisans, is still carried on today. Over the period of also a supplier of swords to the Confederate States of America several centuries, hundreds of sword smiths plied their trade during the Civil War. in and around Toledo. They were organized into guilds and We know that United States sword makers such as each had his own trademark; however, many of the blades AMES produced some swords for Latin American nations, were also marked “Toledo.” although the extent of this effort is not well documented. The city of Solingen, Germany, was chartered in 1374. It John Hamilton, in his book The Ames Sword Company, has been known for its fine blades since the middle ages. briefly mentions a Haitian order for artillery pattern swords Solingen steel in swords, knives, surgical instruments, and other with “bright” (brass) scabbards. Also mention is made of cutlery is still famous for its excellence. Most of Germany’s Bowie-style daggers for Mexican Military Officers, and a finest sword makers have historically been located in Solingen. sword guard foundry pattern for the Mexican government is In France, the town of Chatellerault is noted for its pictured (Figure 11). manufacture of cutlery and firearms. It has been the site of a Today, the AMES SWORD COMPANY still has original government arms factory since 1833, producing quality foundry pattern models for guards, master blade etching pat- firearms and edged weapons. A Chilean Saber in my collec- terns, and other parts displaying the national coat of arms of tion was manufactured at this factory and carries all the several Latin American countries, which I saw during visits proper French marks. The only mark identifying it as Latin to the factory in 2003 and 2004. However, no written American is the Chilean inspector’s acceptance mark records are known to exist. stamped on the reverse side of the blade (Figure 10). WHO MADE IT? Without reference books, how does one determine the maker and vintage of Swords of the Americas? Ideally each manufacturer would proudly and prominently mark their products. However, many examples are unmarked as to the maker. In some instances the customer would decline the use of the maker’s mark. Some makers established unique designs, such as blade etching patterns, pommel styles, and quality of workmanship, which with careful study are dis- tinctive enough to enable one to, with some degree of accu- racy, identify the producer. The foregoing is not the ideal method to identify a sword, but sometimes it is all you have to work with (Figure 12).

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