The Merrill Carbine

I like Civil War carbines.  There are so many variations available, that a collector can acquire a significant collection and never get bored.   The basic premise of the weapon is a short, light firearm that can be easily transported and fired from horseback.  The various manufacturers efforts to fit the bill resulted in ingenious, and at times, infamous design.

This is a type I Merrill carbine. 

The weapon was patented in July of 1858 by H. Merrill of Baltimore, Maryland.  It is a percussion breach loading carbine firing a .54 calibre round. Loading the Merrill is accomplished by placing the hammer at half cock and the opening the bore by pressing two buttons on both sides of the breech lever.  The lever raises up and backwards opening to allow the loading of a round.  A plunger attached to the lever pushes the paper cartridge into the barrel upon lowering the lever. A percussion cap is seated, the hammer pulled to full cock and the weapon is ready to fire. 

Later in the war, a second type was introduced. For economy purposes, the brass patch box was omitted, the steel plunger attached the the breech lever was replaced by a brass plunger to reduce gas leakage and the breech lever latch was altered. 

Merrills were widely issued to federal troopers in both the Eastern and Weatern theatres receiving and overall acceptable rating.  It served admirably in several of the major battles and campaigns if the Civil War.  Some of Union General John Buford's cavalry used Merrill's to hold Confederate General Harry Heth in check on the first day of Gettysburg.  Likewise, some of US Grant's cavalry carried Merrills in the Vicksburg campaign. The Merrill was not, however, without complaints.  Some regiments complained of the breech lever mechanism breaking or being finicky in combat.  Still, the US War Department purchased over 14,000 Merrill carbines.  

The Merrill depicted herein is mine. My personal observation of the weapon is that it is very light with a somewhat slight stock.  Compared to my Sharps and my Burnside, it is much smaller in dimension and I wonder if it stood up well to the rigors of campaign.  I have read of Merrills being found broken at the stock where the firing hand is placed.   Looking at it, in comparison to the Sharps, This part of the stock on the Merrill is significantly less robust.  Mine has not been broken, but it does show a stress crack in the wood.  

The Reproduction Sword

There is nothing wrong with reproductions, if they are bought and sold as such.   The collecting of antique weapons is an expensive hobby.  Reproductions offer the history buff a "wall hanger" at a much more affordable price.   Reenactors also benefit from the efforts of those reproduction manufacturers who strive for historical accuracy.  Taking a $1500.00 sword on a reenactment weekend and risking it to damage is just not smart.  Also, practically speaking, reenactors work hard to have correct time appropriate detail in their uniforms and equipment.   A sword that has 150 years worth of age and wear and tear on it just doesn't look right with a period correct uniform. 

Reproductions cross into the world of fakery when they are artificially aged and offered for sale as originals.  Militaria dealing is big business and people will pay significant amounts of money for good items. Inexperienced collectors will pay serious money for faked items.  As a result, the business attracts the devious and criminal minded. 

When I decided to delve into Confederate sword collecting a few years back, I first bought all of the good reference books. I then purchased a reproduction Confederate sword.   With my heritage being from Louisiana, I opted for a repro of a well known Louisiana staff and field officer's sword made by a variety of New Orleans cutlers.  

It's not so easy to discern in this picture, but the guard contains a pelican feeding her young flanked by the letters C S.   

This repro cost me around $250.00.  The original sword, assuming that one can be found for sale,should fetch a price in the $9,000 - $12,000 range.   

Here is a photo of the same sword as mine, artificially aged. 

Now look at the original sword.

Notice the  fine detail of the original compared to the reproduction.  Also notice that the brass of the original has dimpling caused by the coarseness of the sand mold used by the Confederate   manufacturer.  Confederate manufacturing processes were in general not as refined as those in the north or in Europe.  The repro attempts to mimic the casting flaws, but the dimples are much more apparent.  That's because the dimples are intentionally placed there. 

Now look at the detail of mother pelican and her young.  A common image of the Confederacy and Confederate manufacture is of shoeless men in rags carrying shoddy blacksmith made weapons.  While this perception may be true in some cases, the South did have some very reputable cutlers and  manufacturers producing fine weapons and equipment.   Early in the war, New Orleans cutlers such as Agrudier Dufihlo and Thomas Griswold & Co. produced well made and very detailed swords.  The pelican on the repro looks like a child's drawing. There is no comparison to the original. 

Another easy way to spot a repro is the blade etching.   Early 19th century blades were hand etched or engraved. Often the engraving was gold filled to stand out  against a dark blue area created on the blade by a chemical process known as bluing. By 1860, "blue and gilt" blades, except on some presentation swords, was out of fashion. Engraving became larger and much more prevalent was acid etching.   

Here is an example of etching on a repro. 

Here is an example of 150 year old etching. 

Years of use have faded the etching in the original. Although more

Industrialized than before, 19th century etching was still applied by hand, sword by sword.  The repro etching is crisp and clear and is clearly mass produced by machine. 

Look also on repros for subtle details that say "this ain't right."   Notice the photo below. 

There was a Confederate armory in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  It did not produce Louisiana officer's swords.  In fact, I can't think of any CS officer's swords that bear an armory mark. Why?Because Southern officers were required to purchase their own edged weapons.  They were not government issued.  

Another mark to watch out for is the "CS"

with "1862" underneath.  CS edged

weapons are typically not CS marked and year dated.  US government purchased weapons (not private purchase officer's swords) bear "US" with the inspectors intials and the date.  Many CS officer sword repros have the CS and 1862 mark. 

The feel of the weapon can tell you a lot about its origins. Even 19th century blacksmiths turned out a blade that is light and flexible. An inflexible sword blade will easily break.  The blade on the  repro I bought feels like a piece of rebar.  

Grips can tell you a lot.  Here is the repro. 

Ain't no way that is 150 years old. 

Here is an original. 

The leather is thin, as compared to the thick repro wrap. The original is also worn with age and the wooden core has shrunken some. 

Not all newer looking grips signify a repro. Regripping (replacement of grip wrap and wire) has been something of a

controversy. Some say that an original sword that has been regripped is ruined. Others believe it to be a form of restoration that doesn't mar the value. I lean towards approval of professional regripping where it fits with the condition of the rest of the sword in its as is state. If the sword is in relic form - aged rust, dinged blade and other signs use and natural aging - then leave the grip alone even if all that is left is the wooden core.  

Leave them alone!!!!!!  These swords are in relic condition. 

If the sword is in better condition with little rust and simple age mellowing to the brightness of the metal, but the wire is missing or broken and the grip wrap is falling off or mostly gone, I am not opposed to restoring the grip. To me, however, the grip should be appropriately aged. Most importantly, if the sword is offered for sale then the regripping should be duly noted. 

A final note is to look for the absolute most obvious sign of a repro.  

The stamp, although blurry in this photo, says "India."   No CS or US Civil War swords were imported from India. 

Happy hunting. 

The whistle sword

The history of man is one of progress and invention to suit demand.   Man was cold, so he learned to use fire. Man needed to move loads and travel far, so he invented the wheel.  Man was tired, so he domesticated animals to assist him in work and travel.   Man needs a cell phone that can perk coffee, make poot noises and report the weather in 80  different countries, so he.......Well, you get the picture.  

Historical weapon development follows the same pattern.  Stones and clubs gave way to spear and atlatl. 

Bronze weapons were replaced by iron, which was replaced by steel.  Gunpowder led to firearms which changed the world.  The arms race never stops. He who has the best weapons has the best defense -- as some theorize. 

The 19th century saw much sabre rattling amongst European nations. Smaller conflicts would later cumulate in the fiercest and most senseless of wars, World War One.   This late 19th century arms build up resulted in one of the strangest weapons, to me.  The whistle sword.  

This Prussian cavalry officer' sword, intially developed in 1852 and carried through World War One, serves two roles:   (1) it is the officer's edged weapon; and (2) it is the officer's took with which to signal his troops. 

I do not own one of these unique weapons, but have had the opportunity to view one up close.  It is a beast. 

It is made if steel. The blade is very long and substantial, as would be expected of a heavy cavalry sword.  It's guard is full and provides complete hand coverage. At the base of the grip is a leather finger loop, which is intended to provide the swordsman with additional control over the blade. This sword is not a nimble fencing blade.  I don't really see the benefit of the finger loop, but cudos for the design thought. 

The quillion is the thing of real interest here.  For those that do not know, the quillion is found on the top forepart of the sword's guard. It'll extends out over or upward from the spine (top) of the blade. It's purpose is to stop an opponent's blade from sliding down and onto the swordsman's arm.   On this sword, the quillion is a whistle. 

An officer needs to signal his men in a method that may be heard over the din of battle. Trumpets, bugles, fifes, drums, bugles and whistles were used throughout the ages for this purpose. What is a bit perplexing about this sword is not the incorporation of the whistle, but it's placement.  Bringing it to your mouth, especially on horseback, must have been a challenge.  As stated above, the blade is very long and heavy.  Further, the location of the whistle would require some pretty strange wrist and arm contortion if the officer wanted to keep his hand on the grip while blowing the whistle.  Makes me think that it was probably a better idea to just give the officer a whistle on a lanyard affixed to his uniform. 

Prussia is not the only nation to have this idea.  My online research turned up another whistle quillion sword.  Someone tried to give the utterly useless US pattern 1860 staff and field officer's sword some battlefield value by putting a whistle on its quillion.   

I have placed the Prussian whistle sword on my list of swords to one day acquire. I've seen a few for sale, but not many.  Even with the whistle, I'll pass on the US 1860 staff and field. 

A Non-regulation Staff and Field Officer's Sword

I like non-regulation civil war swords.  I had one of these years ago. It was in bad shape and some fool had spray painted it bronze.  I cleaned the paint off the best that I could, but it was still in bad shape. 

I came across another example offered in an online auction.  I thought about it for a long while, but in the end I couldn't resist. 

The nineteenth century US military was no different than any other nation.  Pattern weapons were the norm, but officers still deviated from the patterns.  Foot officers (captain and below) were required to carry the 1850 foot sword. 

1850 Foot Sword

Some, however, optioned for a more stylistic non-regulation pattern based upon the British pattern 1827 rifle officer's sword.  

British 1827

Instead of the stringed bugle (the symbol of light infantry, jaegers and riflemen), the sword marketed to US Civil War officers has an eagle incorporated into the guard. 

US Non-reg Foot Sword

Versions of this sword are also found with "US" above the eagle.  This sword is not uncommon and is popular with collectors.  A brass hilted version was also offered and is rather rare to find on the market today.  

Staff and field officers (major and higher) carried the longer 1850 staff and field sword or the absolutely useless 1860 staff and field sword. 

1850 Staff and Field

1860 Staff and Field

The 1850 staff and field features a more ornate hilt to denote the officer's elevated  rank. It is also longer than the foot officer's sword, because it's user was mounted on horseback.  The 1860 staff and field is pure decoration.   To me, it is useless to any officer that might have needed a sword for self-defense.  It was popular with Union generals.  I guess I'm not the only collector that doesn't like it. It is easily obtained on the market for a relatively low price.

The sword I purchased is identified in reference books as a non-regulation US cavalry officer's sword.  I think it is more likely a staff and field sword. The blade is just not long enough to be a cavalry sword.   

This sword was made by Clauberg of Solingen. Examples have been found stamped with the mark if the famous New York Jeweler Tiffany & Co.  Along with selling jewelry and fine glass, Tiffany also dabbled in the arms market as a military outfitter to Union officers. 

Clauberg Mark

The blade is nicely etched with ivy, scrollwork, stars and the important "US."

Without the US etching, the sword couldn't be linked to the United States or the Civil War.  The hilt is steel with a two branch guard and a steel backstrap reminiscent of the British 1821 cavalry sword. 

British 1821

The grip on the non-reg Clauberg is fishskin with one main strand of twisted copper wire flanked by two strands of thin steel wire. The sword was carried in a steel scabbard.  

I said at the start of this post that I like non-reg swords.  Part of the appeal to me is that collecting patterns gets to be a bit boring after a while.  I also like the mystic of why an officer would purchase a non-regulation sword. Was it less expensive?  Was he an individualist?  Did he feel more safe with the sturdy steel hilt of this sword as compared to the more ornate, but weaker brass hilt of the 1850 staff and field. Forget the 1860. The guy that carried this sword wouldn't have been interested in that daisy swatter.  Was this sword more fashionable and sold by a upscale retailer like Tiffany?  My sword doesn't bear the Tiffany mark, though.  Maybe this was just the last sword on the rack.  

For the collector, this sword is not commonly found.  When I made my purchase, I only found one other offered for sale online and two last auction sales. There may have been others, but certainly not many more. I also was unable to find any reproductions offered for sale, unlike the steel hilted foot sword which has been mass reproduced for reenactors.  

The Sharps Carbine

Been a while since I've written anything. With the holidays and blah, blah, blah.....oh let's just own up to it.  I've been lazy. 

Now is a good a time as any to write about the Sharps carbine.  The Sharps is the design of Christian Sharp, a Harpers Ferry Armory gunsmith.  It is a single shot, percussion, breach loading weapon.   The pattern began life with the first models rolling into production in the early 1850s.  Transitioning through several patterns, the Sharps carbine's service life extended well past the Civil War with the last models/conversions utilizing a center fire cartridge.  

During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate cavalrymen used the Sharps.  It was so popular and of such good design that the Virginia gunsmith, S.C. Robbins, produced its own version of the weapon -  although of a lessor quality.  

An easy way to distinguish the Richmond Sharps (depicted above) is by its rear dovetail sight.  The original Sharps (depicted below) has a more sophisticated elevating sight. 

The Sharp's is loaded by lowering the lever (which also serves as a trigger guard), thus lowering the breach. 

A cartridge made of a .52 calibre minie ball affixed to a linen or paper wrapped powder charge is next inserted into the breach. 

The breech is then closed by use of the lever.  Closing the breech severs the back of the linen or paper cartridge. The hammer is moved to half cock and a percussion cap placed on the nipple.  With the hammer moved to full cock, the carbine is ready to fire. 

Civil War cavalrymen favored the Sharp's, because of is user friendly nature, rapid rate of fire and dependability.   The Sharp's was also prized as a battlefield pickup, not only for the aforementioned qualities, but also a for a practical reason. Unlike the metallic cartridge carbines of the era, the Sharp's round is uncomplicated to manufacture.  Thus Southern arsenals were able to produce it making the Sharp's a more useful captured arm than its more complicated cousins. 

The weapon pictured in the top most photo is my Sharp's carbine. It is a New Model 1863 carbine.   Earlier models are found with brass patch boxes in the stock.   With is popularity and long service life, the Sharps is readily found on the market at reasonable prices.   However, please note that the weapon has been mass reproduced   Beware of modern replicas.  

The Ames Naval Cutlass

It's easy to forget the important role that navies played in the American Civil War.  Ask the man on the street if he has  heard of the Battle of Gettysburg and his answer most certainly will be in the affirmative. However, ask the same person what he knows about the naval engagement at Memphis or the Battle of Mobile Bay.  I'm not certain that the man on the street, unless he is a Civil War buff, will know anything about them.  The United States Navy played a major role in Lincoln's war plan.  Without it, the Anaconda Plan (squeezing the Confederacy to death by stopping its supplies) would not have even come to reality.  The US Navy's Blue Water (ocean) Fleet was called upon to blockade the CS ports and prevent the South from receiving supplies from Europe.   Without the US Navy's Brown Water (river) Fleet, U.S. Grant's plan to take Vicksburg would have been dramatically altered and, perhaps, unsuccessful.   It cannot be denied that the US Navy provided valuable service during the Civil War. 

As with those of the land forces, naval battle tactics in the mid 19th century had been altered by technology.   Steam engines and improvements in the range and accuracy of artillery and small arms changed the way that navy's fought.  For the most part, gone were the days of swashbuckling boarding parties.  Still, navy's armed sailors to prepare to defend against and repel boarders. For centuries prior to 1861 sailors fought with a short edged weapon known as a cutlass.  During the Civil War, sailors were still issued this weapon. 

The weapon pictured above is a US Model 1860 Naval Cutlass.  This example was made by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts in 1863. Like all cutlasses, it is short-bladed as it was designed for fighting in the close quarters of  ship. A sailor swinging the 24.5 inch blade is less likely to catch same in rigging and on other shipboard obstacles than he would a longer blade.  The sheet brass handguard provides him with excellent hand protection as it covers entirely the leather and twisted wire grip. It was once housed in a leather scabbard secured to the sailors belt by a loop. 

This sword is not pristine. Like I have stated before, I don't like pristine antique weapons. Rather, I prefer those that have some history.  This sword was issued. It bears a rack and sword number hand etched on the inside if the guard.  Unfortunately, these numbers do not tell us to which ship it was issued. 

The sword's blade is darkened with age and it's metal is mottled with rust pitting. At some point in history, the tip of its blade was broken and a new point reformed -  perhaps by the ship's armourer.  

I bought this sword earlier this year. In the past, I really haven't had much interest in Civil War naval weapons. However, I have always liked this pattern, because it was designed to be used in combat. In other words, this sword is not a dress weapon.   It is my first naval sword and honestly has spurred an interest for me in the subject. 

I want to provide a few notes for the amateur collector. The pattern 1860 cutlass is readily available on the market at reasonable prices.  Most originals have banged up guards and are missing their leather grip covers and wire wrap.  Examples with clean blades command higher prices.  Examples with original scabbards are less common, but can be found.  Due to the rarity of the leather scabbard surviving, complete examples  obtain much higher prices.  Beware that this sword has been mass produced. Based upon my own examination, in general, of antique swords and reproductions, I find that modern reproductions have  heavy, less flexible blades and modern brass is more yellow and thicker that that of an original. Given the extent that this sword has been reproduced, I recommend that the novice avoid buying through an online auction. Instead, the novice should purchase from a reputable dealer who guarantees authenticity.  

The British Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre

The British 1796 light cavalry sabre is a cutting and slashing  weapon, pure and simple.  Designed by John Gaspard le Marchant, the weapon was mass produced and  issued  to all British light cavalrymen (hussars and light dragoons) as well as horse artillerymen during the Napoleonic Wars. It's form was copied and used by the fledgling United States for its Dragoons.  It was likewise copied by the Prussians for the pattern 1813, or Blucher, sabre.   The sword remained Britain's  official pattern until it was replaced in 1821 by a completely different form.  However, it served on in India with native cavalry and police units throughout the 19th century and into the 20th century.  The Blucher sabre was carried through the end of the First World War. 

The hallmark  of the 1796 LC is its broad, highly curved 32.5 - 33 inch blade.  The blade, which bears one large fuller, widens to a hatchet shaped point.  For hand protection, it has a single branch "P" shaped guard.   The pattern's grip is comprised of a wooden core over which cord is wound with a leather top-covering.  The pommel assembly incorporates a steel backstrap across the top of the grip with two "ears" issuing downward midway on both sides of the grip.  A steel pin through the grip connects the ears, providing for a strong union of the assembly.  The hilt also incorporates shield shaped languets protruding down  both sides of the blade.  

The scabbard is steel with two hanging rings and a very subtle drag, or shoe -- meaning that is not very pronounced from the bottom of the scabbard.  Swords are often found marked with the cutler's name in the spine of the blade and/or the inboard and uppermost panel of the scabbard.  Swords accepted by the British Board of Ordnance have inspector's stamps in the blade. Regimentally marked 1796 LCs, both regular and yeomanry, bear markings on the top of the quillion or the knucklebow and on the scabbard.  Unmarked examples and plentiful and it is not uncommon to find swords and scabbards mismatched. 

Officer' swords may be distinguished by etched blades, the finest of which are blue and gilt. Examples are found  slightly smaller and there is a wide variety of pattern deviation.   The officer's grip is typically shagreen with twisted silver wire. It may have backstrap ears, which are usually smaller and more decorative, or none. 

The sword depicted below is one that I found in a relic shop outside the Chickamauga National Military Park.  As found, it is a example of what not to do to an antique sword.  

Mixed with US Civil War swords and muskets displayed for sale, I spotted the sword hanging on the wall.  It was shiny; far too shiny than any 200 year old weapon ought to be. I asked the store owner if I could see the 1796 sabre hanging on the wall.  As Napoleonic sabres have little interest to the Civil War enthusiast clientele which frequents his shop, the owner was surprised that I new what the sword is. Upon examination, I found that some fool had cleaned the sword and spraypainted the hilt and scabbard silver. The shop owner said that the previous owner told him that this fellow promised to make the sword look brand new.  Ummmm.....why?  It ain't new. It's 200 years old.  I ended up buying the sword at a very fair price given it's condition. 

I normally do not advocate cleaning any antique arm outside of routine conservation -  remove active rust, dirt and grime; restore and protect leather.  Do not remove patina.  Patina is age. It is part of the weapons history and should be left alone.   However, the damage had already been inflicted on this sword.  

I started by removing the paint to the best of my ability.  This required steel wool, lacquer thinner, arm fatigue and, unfortunately, stronger chemicals. After I was down to a cleaner surface, I used WD40 and steel wool to try to remove the haze left by the chemicals. I was not pleased with the finish, so I darkened the metal with several applications of black show polish over a few days.   The result was as good as I could get it.  

I wish that I had before photos, but I did not think to take any.  It didn't turn out perfect, but the sword sure looked better than it did before.  Make it look like new? Pleeeeze. 

A few parting words on the 1796 LC for the potential collector.   With all of the variations, a whole collection may made of this pattern. Examples are found relatively inexpensive, but you get what you pay for.  Make sure that what you are getting is an original 1796 LC.  This sword has been mass reproduced by modern cutlers for sword fighting enthusiasts and by Pakistani exporters for reenactors and collectors of reproductions.    Beware of Bluchers being passed off as British swords. The knucklebow and the scabbard shoe of the British sword are more subtle than those of the Blucher.   Also, note that a 1796 LC with a brass guard with a British cutler's name on it was probably made for export to the United States -- but not, as some would contend, for the Confederacy.  These swords were made long before the Civil War. 

As stated above, the 1796 LC served in India for a considerable time after the Napoleonic Wars.  If you think you are purchasing a Napoleonic example, but the sword bears Indian, Pakistani or Nepalese markings, think about it.  There is nothing wrong with buying an example made for American export, a WW I Blucher or an Indian police unit marked 1796, unless you think that you are getting a Napoleonic era British 1796 LC and paying the price for it.