Restored 1750's Horseman's Saber

**Taygrd** · 27th July 11, 07:25 PM

I picked this up about a year ago from a shop in Glascow to add to my collection and got a decent price on it. I consulted with Kyle at Old Dominion Forge about how to restore it and Kyle being the gentleman and craftsman that he is gave me sound advice. So after about a year of looking I found some old iron plate from the 1800s and put her all back together and had to show her off.

I find it amazing that with all of the tools and advancements that we have now that it would be difficult to make this sword in a modern shop yet someone made this blade hundreds of years ago.
2 Before Pictures

Restored

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 27th July 11, 08:08 PM

Nicely done.

**celt72** · 27th July 11, 11:33 PM

That is a great looking sword. Congratulations!

**Lon Scot Reg Secretary** · 28th July 11, 12:47 AM

Taygrd, Well done on this restoration, it looks great. What an interesting sword! Everything about it is so unusual; I can see why you brought it even in its broken state. I like both the hilt shape and the grip. Do you have any history for it or any more information on it??
I'm a sword collector, specialising in Scottish broadswords (What else!)

Stuart

**Bigkahuna** · 28th July 11, 01:00 AM

Nice find indeed!

**Taygrd** · 28th July 11, 05:17 AM

Thanks fellas. Stuart, I bought it since I believe that it was from the Revolutionary period and wanted to save it. The fittings on this sword were made completely out of iron and I do not believe that it ever had a knucklebow or chain. I had some scoff at that idea, however I completely dismantled the sword and found no evidence of those ever existing on the sword. I am not sure if it is American or English manufacture since there are no markings and during this period these were private purchase. The Lions head resembles some swords that were made in Fishkill, NY at this time but that is speculation. I replaced the broken section of guard and put a capistan back on it. The shagreen is original and I simply preserved that. Thought about adding the handle wire back to it but since it was iron fittings brass or silver would have screamed "replacement". I will eventually make a sheath for it once some period scabbard parts are located. I am quite fond of this blade and feel honored to be it's caretaker. Thanks again.
Nathan