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Nathan Starr Contract Saber Question


JimD
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I am not a sword guy so I am looking for guidance. I understand many of the Starr M1812 or 1818 swords were sold to State Militias. I have seen one recently with US stampings on the blade near the guard on one side, with "South Carolina" stamped on the other side.

 

My assumption is that the US mark was applied at the point of manufacture by Starr while the S. Carolina stamp was added when the saber arrived in S. Carolina and was accepted for militia use.

My question: Is there any possibility that the sword was still in South Carolina Militia hands in 1861 and, thus, is a CSA-used sword? Is this likely, possible, or highly improbable?

Thanks in advance.

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I have seen them around also S.C.marked...I do not think it was un-common to be CS carried...especially if it was available. ..it would be considered a secondary Confederate arm.

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Many Starr and even earlier swords, such as Virginia Manufactory cavalry sabers, which were still in State militia armories were put into use by the Confederates. Some were modified, usually shortened and given new scabbards, but most were used just as they were. Actually, they really weren't all that old at the time. Most M1818s actually date from the 1820s and would have been about 40 years old at the time of the CW. It would have been like using Viet Nam-era equipment in Operation Iragi Freedom. Even more apropos, just look how long we used M1860 cavalry swords and M1861 Navy Cutlasses - well into the 20th century.

 

I would appreciate seeing your South Carolina sword - could you post photos?. I have a number of Starr swords, but none with State markings.

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I don't own the sword. It was offered for sale and I was wondering its value and probability of CSA use. It was complete with decent scabbard. Seller was asking $750.

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