Hey there.    Would this bugle perhaps have been used during the Vietnam War?    If so, what sort of stuff do I have to put on it to make it accurate?    Thanks,   Wade

Here is the maker. If you contact them directly they might be able to date it.  https://www.usregulationbugle.com/bugle/pc/home.asp?srsltid=AfmBOoo3boNCdox9akJLEUG0Fj7JhIhCCkLava9tYafwy0IQUFz5diD2

Happy to do research!

For those who come to this thread looking for identifying marks, the direction of the eagle on the pommel isn’t determinative of date, as the original design actually had a right facing (from the eagle’s perspective) figure even though every other eagle at the time was left facing (buttons, buckle, etc). At some point, manufacturers could switch and most wouldn’t notice as it would ironically correct the inconsistency in the original design. Unfortunately, there are many minor details about the changes in design over the years in the M1852 that aren’t well studied, as it’s all glossed over as being the same model. Tuite’s book, for instance, completely ignores the pommel. There’s another thread on the forum where we discuss the as yet unknown date of when the curved design of the blade became instead straight, thus essentially turning a saber into an epee.  

Thank you Father v for spending the time and doing some research on this. I haven't got very far with it and I've found other swords since that I'm researching..lol... I appreciate your time and your help with it. Thanks again

For what it is worth: I was told by an old collector that bugles stamped "US Regulation" were of the pattern of US Army bugles, but Army issued bugles were stamped US and may or may not include a stamping of the manufacturer. Illinigander

Hey everybody.    Just got this M-1955 flak vest at a surplus store in Saint Louis, Missouri. I got it for what I believe is a good price ($130 USD). It has a few small tears, but those can be repaired if necessary. All plates are present. The zipper is a bit corroded and is missing a few teeth, but that shouldn't be too big of a problem. I'm going to use this for reenacting.    I have a few questions....   1. How much is it worth?   2. It has 2 names (James and Hartigan), or possibly one. Both are written in different handwriting. Was this flak issued to 2 soldiers or is it just someone writing their name weird?   Thanks!   Wade  

I saw your posting and saw the listing on eBay. Apparently it’s sold.  My question is if it’s made by Colt why is the blade marked China? See photo    I’ve seen S&W knives marked Chiba as well. Are thise authorized by the original manufacturer- Colt, S&W?  Just reminds me of those firearms advertisied limited edition six shooter like the one John Wayne used or some , or a 1911 45 “Colt”. 

70s, 80s, 90s, and on into the 2000s. 

I’ve looked around a bit and at least one other forum online notes this mark. The form of your sword is the (horse) artillery sword which was based on a French service design. In Thilmann (pg 328), he lists a R. Röhrig (also marked R & C) for the cavalry sword (also based on a French service sword) M1840.  I couldn’t find any definitive source online for the combination of names,  but I don’t have any of the standard sources for German sword makers, having very little interest in them. The most curious thing is the New York marking as none of the standard sources on American swords or military goods list such a firm. I presume this means that they were merely distributed here, but whoever was doing the etching wanted an American city listed on what is most likely a German manufactured sword (Solingen).