USWV Sword from SOS

[SARGE]

Gents,

 

I found a sword from the United Spanish War Veterans (USWV) at the Show of Shows (SOS) in Louisville last week that I could not pass up. Actually, I had no idea that the USWV organization even wore swords but low and behold I turned up this example. And, quite an example it is.

 

The sword is made in the style of the US Model 1860 Staff & FIeld Officer sword similar to the GAR and SV CW Veteran related swords. However, this one was made for the "Commander" of "Camp No.12 U.S.W.V." and is so etched on the blade. The sword was made by "Harding Uniform & Regalia Co., Boston, Mass." and that too is etched on the ricasso of the blade. Unfortunately USWV Camps were numbered starting from No.1 in each state so Camp No.12 could be one of many. For instance, Camp No.12 in Wisconsin was the Doege-Trier Camp located in Sheboygan.

 

The USWV was formed in 1904 from several smaller veteran groups and existed until the last member died at 106 years of age in 1992. The organization was formed from veterans of three different wars:

 

1. The Spanish-American War, 1898-1899

2. The Philippine Insurrection, 1899-1902

3. The Chinese Relief Expedition, 1900-1901

 

This sword has seen better days and is in "as found" condition. A nice veterans sword like this deserves better than its current condition, which currently shows it is neglected and worn. I am going to clean this sword up and I intend to show some before and after pictures as the process goes forward. Here are the before photos showing what the sword looks like today.

 

Enjoy...

 

 

[SARGE]

Some views of the sword after cleaning. No restoration or repair was done to the sword, only cleaning.

 

 

[KevinBeyer]

Sarge,

I've never seen a U.S.W.V. sword before. That is something else. Your rejuvenation efforts are paying off. Did you actually manage to remove the verdigris on the hilt?

 

I'd love to see more photos if you do any more clean up.

 

What a great find!

 

Kevin

[TheMariner]

Sarge i would appreciate you cleaning methods be posted if you dont mind? There is such a fine line with cleaning these items up !

[SARGE]

Sarge i would appreciate you cleaning methods be posted if you dont mind? There is such a fine line with cleaning these items up !

 

Mariner,

 

You bet. Actually, I have pinned a cleaning thread in the Edged Weapons section. Here is a link.

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/44401-cleaning-or-restoration-of-a-sword/

 

 

You are also 100% correct that there is a very fine line with cleaning IMHO. Once rust, verdigris, and patina are removed they are gone forever so some preliminary thought on how you want the sword to look is essential in my experience. I have refined my before cleaning thought process over the years and I utilize the 51% rule that says don't remove patina if it is attractive or over 50% there. The same applies to the original finish. In this instance there was not a lot of gilt left on this sword so I removed the grime and verdigris with ammonia and did not polish the brass fittings. Some of my thought process is explained in more detail in the cleaning link above.

 

I hope this is what you were looking for.

 

Kevin,

 

I was able to remove the considerable verdigris from the sword using pure ammonia and a stiff brush. I only use ammonia with a mask outside. It is dangerous to your health so be careful with it. I also stop often to assess what I am doing and to make certain I am not over-cleaning. I left some patina in the recesses (but not the green verdigris which damages the finish like rust) so that the sword would not look too clean. Of course this is cleaned to my taste as I like to leave some patina to show the sword does have some age to it. Others may use different cleaning criteria.

 

Also, I elected to make no repairs or restoration to the sword as cleaning is quite separate and different than repair work. I left the grip with some damage, the light dents in the scabbard, etc. I am now satisfied with the end result and I think I am done at this point.

 

George