|
An Eye for Detail -- Careful Inspection is Important for the
Collector of Swords
by Robert B. Miller
The collector of arms must develop an eye for detail. Regardless of
whether he is collecting for historicity or for art form, it is important that he know the
strengths and weaknesses of his purchase. Often subtle details can be overlooked, leading
to the purchase of an item that is later found to not quite measure up to what the buyer
had initially desired. Most collectors have at some point experienced the angst of this
sort of buyer's remorse, knowing that they had perhaps paid more for an item than they
later deem it to be worth. In this brief study we will analyze a British 1796 pattern
Heavy Cavalry Officer's ladder-hilt style sword. Keep in mind that the problems with the
sword do not make the sword worthless, but do detract from its value. It is my intention
that this sword be sent for proper restoration, and I will try to remember to post pics
when it is finished at some later date. The point of this study is to try to draw
attention to the sort of detail that one should look for when inspecting a prospective
purchase. It is important to the collector, and particularly to the novice, to learn these
clues and cues and what they imply. When this sword was sold, there were likely no visible
flaws. It would have been, as any new purchase, in brand spanking new condition, and all
of its parts would have fit well together. Having said this, we can begin our study.
In the first photo, note the white line near the
top end of the grip. That is the edge an area of Bond-o (painted black, except for the
edge, where a small amount of material has broken off), which extends from there to the
upper end of the grip. Note also How the backstrap is slightly bowed, causing a gap. This
is, I suspect, common when swords have been rehilted, and is probably a result of pounding
on the end of the pommel to repein the tang. Note also that there is a significant gap
between the grip and the edge of the metal for the entire length. You will see in the next
photo that the other side is overly tight.
|
As indicated above, note how snugly the leather
at the pommel fits up against the metal on this side, as opposed to the other. Note again
the severely bowed backstrap. Also note the large gap between the grip and the ferrule.
|
In this photo, notice how the pein is small, and
the edges are broken away. The tang was likely not hot enough to pein properly. Look at
other swords you have and notice that the metal of the peined tang is smooth with the
pommel, without jagged broken edges. A sure sign of rehilting. Notice again how the
leather is too tight on this side and too loose on the other.
|
In this photo, see how the ferrule and backstrap
are not fitting together properly. Notice the large gap between the ferrule and the grip,
and the misalignment of the components.
|
This picture (excuse its blurriness), illustrates
the misalignment between the backstrap and the blade. Also notice that the backstrap is
not aligned with the grip itself. When this hilt was reassembled, things were not put back
into position properly.
|
Here you can see Bond-o in the gap between the
blade and basket, used to tighten things up. This is not a bad way to fix the problem of
looseness between blade and basket, provided the leather washer is replaced to
hide the fix, provided a material is used that can be removed later.
|
Lastly, notice the gap between the blade and
basket on one side. This should be flush, and is likely the product of the same forces
that bent the backstrap. This sword needs to be taken apart and restored by a professional
to make it right, but it can be done. None of the pieces is permanently damaged, other
than the original age wear to the grip, and the worm-holes, etc., which are not a serious
problem. Look at these details when you inspect a piece, and you'll develop a critical
eye.
|
|
