Where to find non-display replica sabers?

[james.kane]

Does anyone know of anyone who produces, or could produce, US Army officer sabers that aren't nickel-plated showpiece versions?

I'm an Army officer and I'm interested in purchasing a saber. While I'm sure I'll never actually use a saber "In Combat" or anything silly like that, there's just something that bothers me about getting a saber that will end up being a useless piece of metal that really is no more than a decoration.

I'd appreciate if anybody could steer me in the right direction.

Thanks,
Jim

[GaryGrzybek]

Hi Jim,

Why not just find yourself an antique?

Sabers are quite common in the antique market and can be purchased in good condition anywhere from $300 to $800 or more. For a good high end reproduction you could spend this much anyway.

[Jake_Norwood]

Antiques from the Civil war and later are easy to come by and won't generally cost you much more than a good reproduction from a business like Cold Steel. Myself, I've got an 1864 Union Cavalry Saber and a Marine Musician's sword from the late 1800s as well. I like them both, and find that even now they're functional weapons.

You'll find, however, that they neither look nor feel like the nickel-plated dress swords that the modern Cavalry or West Point Cadets wear for parades.

Jacob Norwood
2LT, MI

[Jeffrey Hull]

Hey yeah, a cheaper "recent" antique may be the way to go.

I knew someone who bought some sort of German naval saber, circa (?) 1870-1918, from a junk shop in Kansas for like $50.

So maybe a bargain like that can be found.

[james.kane]

I'm on the lookout for antiques too, but I wouldn't feel good about getting my name engraved on an antique. I'm really looking for something to hang behind my desk when I command and to be able to pass on to future generations of Kanes ("This sword is from your great great grandpa Kane who was in the Army back in the 21st century... when they used to use swords").

-Jim

[Allen Johnson]

Depending on what type or era of saber you are looking for... These guys may be able to help you out- a simple email to them and Im sure they could help more:
http://www.gggodwin.com/

Also it depends on how much money you want to spend. If you dont mind dropping a bigger chunk but get a really superior weapon and have it look exactly the way you want it you could contact a custom smith like Vince Evans or something.
http://www.arscives.com/vevans/

[Shane Smith]

While I'm sure I'll never actually use a saber "In Combat" or anything silly like that, there's just something that bothers me about getting a saber that will end up being a useless piece of metal that really is no more than a decoration.

I'm with you 100 percent on this point! Buying a wallhanger is not unlike going to the toy store and exchanging your cash for monopoly money. There's just no good reason for that! <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />