English Short Saber
A hollow ivory grip with a green dyed spiraled surface adds color to this slender iron'hilted sword. Its faceted olive type pommel secures the tip of a slender knuckle bow, which, in turn, divides near its base to form an outboard horizontal guard ring. The hilt is separated from its light cutting blade by an elliptical iron washer which was common for this pattern style. The blade here was slightly shortened at one time, but contains both a narow and wide fuller.
Length: 30 1/4"
Blade: 24" X 1"
Weight: 0.8 lb.
Hilt: Iron
<p class="MsoNormal">George C. Neumann, <em>Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, </em>(Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 112. (152.S)</p>
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 349
English Broadsword
Further simplification of the brass bilobate style is evident in this example. Although the triple tail at the knuckle bow's base is still present, only two branches remain on each side - with the lower one retaining the curved form of earlier days. Note the large brass ropes encircling the grip, as well as the ball pommel and separate capstan (both ferrules are replacements). Its double-edged straight blade includes a center ridge.
Length: 41 1/3"
Blade: 35 1/2" x 1 3/8"
Weight: 1.6 lbs.
Hilt: Brass
George C. Neumann, Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 104. (129.S)
c. 1740-1760
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 327
English Hanger Model 1742
Sword
Infantry swords of this pattern are called Model 1742 because they are shown in illustrations of that date prepared for the Duke of Cumberland. It was probably in use for some years prior to that time. Several variations are known. This type has a brass hilt cast in two pieces (grip plus pommel; knuckle bow plus counterguard). A simple knuckle bow spreads into a heart-shaped counterguard with a raised border and center ridge. Its curved single-edged blade bears marks of Germanic origin.
Length: 29"
Blade: 23 1/4"
Weight: 1.1 lbs
Hilt: Brass
George C. Neumann, <em>The History of Weapons of the American Revolution</em>, (New York: Bonanza Books, 1967), 218. (S.2)
c. 1742
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
VAFO 218