1830's Cavalry sword

[Wade Dillon]

Hello everyone,

I am beginning to build an entire reenactment kit for my persona in The Battle of The Alamo reenactments. As I portray a cavalry Colonel, I want to find a calvary sword that is accurate to those that would've been used during the 1830's.

Any links or references would be great appreciated! Thank you!

~Wade

[SAWMA]

Do a search on "Swamp Fox Knives". He does a lot of cut down sword style knifes, Tim does great work.

[Minnesota Mike]

Which army?

r/
MM

[RichW]

Try Dixie Gun Works.

Also, the British 1790 patterns (Light and Heavy Cavalry) were widely copied around the world.  They were even surplussed and sold in the fur trade.  Both patterns are reproduced.

[Puffer]

Some thoughts
1. What unit ??
2. What Quality ??
3.Sharpened or not ??

Based on your answers, I will try to send you some info.

Puffer

[Puffer]

Wade, here is my suggestion, for srarters
http://www.coldsteel.com/88ns.html

Although this sword is "french", it was a "favorite", carried by Americans, up to the civil war. & would be PC.

Cold Steel blades are perhaps the best (IMHO - I own a couple) in the "production catagory."

Price wise, if you shop around, they are "reasonable" Here are acouple of examples-
http://www.coldsteel.com/88ns.html
http://www.trueswords.com/cold-steel-18 ... fc3fc3e582
http://www.swordsdirect.com/cold-steel- ... words.html

PUFFER

[Wade Dillon]

Hey guys,

Thank you for the input.

Puffer, I am planning to portray William Barret Travis, the Lieutenant Colonel Commander of The Alamo garrison in 1836. He was a cavalry man, but of no real unit. The American colonists of the Texas Revolution were more militia than military. The only organized unit, arguably, were the New Orlean Grays. He was not a part of that outfit.

So, I imagine, if he had a sword, it would've been an American blade that may have been shipped into the Texas colony, possibly through the ports in New Orleans.

Thank you all for the help. While I may not have the money now to purchase such a blade, the links and references will be valuable for later use.

~Wade

[RichW]

I like this one:

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_in ... ts_id=3789

This one needs a little research to put a real date on it, but the price is right.

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_in ... ts_id=2548

[Minnesota Mike]

I am planning to portray William Barret Travis, the Lieutenant Colonel Commander of The Alamo garrison in 1836. He was a cavalry man, but of no real unit.

Should probably be a left over from US cavalry - had a few that saw action in 1812 or so - imagine more than a couple would be available for those Texas adventurers.

As much as I hate to refer to movies for ideas . . . I have an associate who was involved somewhat with the latest movie on the Alamo - which although not a real financial success. at least was fairly well researched and authentic for costumes and weapons. Or so I was told.

Also I understand there is a painting of Travis with his sword - may or may not represent the actual sword, but worth checking out.

http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/bl ... es-244.jpg


r/
MM

[Wade Dillon]

Thank you for the links, Rich. Nicely priced too. I'll talk to a few folks in the Alamo field about it.

Hey Minnesota Mike. My best bet would be the 1830 Napoleonic sword posted above by Puffer. Most up-to-date at that time.

As for the latest Alamo film, I thoroughly enjoyed it. And while there are inaccuracies, it's the best Alamo film yet. How was your associate involved? I run an  a website called Alamo Sentry. The link is provided in my sig. I'd be happy to learn of the person's involvement with the film. I've been fortunate to interview many of the cast and crew.

Also, Mike, the photo link you provided is a statue  that stood in The Mengar Hotel in San Antonio, Texas for a year or two. It's more of a romantic rendition of the man than a historically accurate one. Thank you, though!

I appreciate everyones help!  

~Wade

[Minnesota Mike]

Not sure - but he made a point of going over some of the research material and where it was uncovered - old news articles and such. The main point he thumped on was the issue about the execution of Davy Crocket and how it ran against popular legend.

Evidently there may have been several survivors including Crocket - all of whom were executed as 'examples'.

Should run into him at a wargaming convention in March - will ask him then.
----

Agree that 1830 sword may be the most 'modern' by then - but just curious as to how available they were and what were the chances that a normal citizen like Travis could just pick one up? His other weapon was double barrel shotgun vice a military musket, so . . . just cautious as to how prevelant the latest of military arms were available to private citizens.

Good luck and have fun.

r/
MM

PS: Yeah I knew that link was to statue, but went and hit 'submit' instead of 'preview' before altering the text. Uffda.

[RichW]

Officer's swords are strictly BYO, not issued.

American armories produced a small number of eagle-head swords.  Many swords were imported from France, Germany, and England.

Just like arms today, the latest model may or may not be available on the market, but the older patterns are crated up and ready for sale.

An important consideration would be what was in fashion for American officers to carry.  Travis would probably not have carried a AK-47 if everyone else had HK's, IF you see what I mean.  

[Puffer]

Okay, here are some more thoughts.

Note - although I carry a Sword @ times    ( a "basket hilt or "hunter style) I have a "little" knowledge of some other styles. ( gleaned in my continued interest in the "war of 1812 & "swords of the fur trade"

As it has been mentioned before, Officers, bought their own swords (generally) IMHO, in general,they would purchase as  good  a sword, as they could afford. But the "ornate" swords would have been for "dress" wear, not carried into battle. So I would a "plainer" style ( the "Nepoleon 1830" would fall into the top end of this catagory)  to be carrid by Travis.

L Country of origion - Travis would have had a variety of suppliers to chose from. But IMHO, the most likely would be Brittish,French,American. (do to avail.)

II. Pattern - Although their is a large variety of patterns avail, I would look @ the "Light Calvery Stlyle" ( the Heavy cal. swords were used by Hvy.Cav. (dragoons etc) & I do not think that Travis' unit ws of the Hvy. type unit.)

Here are some ideas

BRITSH- 1776 Lt cav. ( http://www.coldsteel.com/88s.html )
French - 1830 Nepoleon ( note, accord. to the info I have found this pattern PREDATES 1830) (http://www.coldsteel.com/88ns.html )
AMERICAN - Here is my "FAVORITE" (top pic.) ( http://www.gggodwin.com/swords.htm )
Here are some others
http://cgi.ebay.com/c-1830-SWORD-with-E ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/1821-Cavalry-Pre-Ci ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-EARLY-1800s-U- ... dZViewItem

Here is a site you might enjoy
http://www.americansocietyofarmscollect ... dtest2.htm

Puffer