Current Mystery Sword 7: A diamond encrusted Imperial Russian saber!!!!!!!
Last updated (1/12/08)
This page is the web home of the Internet Sword Collectors Association. This is an international group of edged weapons collectors and scholars who are interested in the collecting, research, and documentation of antique edged weapons. It is a forum for scholarly discussion of the specifics of sword collecting, and a focal point for sword collectors and edged weapon experts to compile and share sword related information that has not been widely published in currently available books.
Please scroll down to the following ISCA sword topics:
Since we listed that rare Imperiel Russian saber with the great enamel work and the diamonds in the hilt (see Mystery Sword #7 below), a collector in the US has contacted us about desiring to purchase the sword. He is familiar with the sword and its condition -missing the scabbard drag- and has done some research on how to get that replaced and the enamelwork restored. So now he is looking for the piece to purchase and restore. If anyone knows the current owner of the sword, please Email us back and we will put you in contact with the collector. One of the purposes of this sword site is to support and encourage collectors in preserving the edged weapons history of the world. This collector has done his homework and can bring this sword back to its former glory so lets see if we can help him out.
In addition, I am assured that a more than fair price will be paid to the current owner so lets see if we can make this connection. Any help is appreciated.
Current Mystery Sword 7: A diamond encrusted Imperial Russian saber!!!!!!!
A group of Chinese Ebay merchants centered in Hong Kong are producing fakes of Japense swords and selling them as old on Ebay. This type of activity not only rips off the collecting community, it damages the reputations of all the ethical dealers in Hong Kong and elsewhere in Asia.
UPDATE !!!!! It gets worse ... a fellow collector purchased one of these swords that was stated to be from a "Captain" of a specific regiment in the Civil War. The ad implied that the naming on the sword had the title Captain in it. When the sword arrived, it was a plain fraternal sword, with just a name. When the buyer asked about thte Civil War attribution, the seller stated that "The guy I bought it from said it was from a Civil War guy" and the seller refused to take the sword back or refund any money. My opinion is that this is just a way to steal money from collectors. Please avoid all sellers who use these tactics.
Subj: Re: Ebay Scam HEIGHTENS! (Text slightly nodified by me ..)
Mike, Thought this should be brought to your attention. The Ebay seller you talk of (lets call him "snastiques") is obviously aware of your editorial, as he is radically updating his form of swindle. Current items are now often given bogus provenances. Example of deception: item# (deleted), which the seller swears was purchased from a direct descendent of the original owner in Pennsylvannia. The true origin of this Ames sword is a Hartford seller, auction# (deleted). This seller is gradually increasing the use of these new "uncontestable origins" for validating the authenticity of his wares. As you well know, providing fake histories for an antique item constitutes a major fraud according to the law, not to mention eBay rules. Although such outright lies will definately burn a novice collector, even someone more seasoned can easilly be taken. As your site is so very informative and helpful, it would be a great service to the public if you might be able to do something about this. By the way, do let us know when your book is completed. Thanks. Regards, A.M.
Yes the flow of swords with this seller can be traced by following his purchases, and then watching his "rebranding" of the items. The original sellers never list any of the information that he attaches to the pieces after he buys them, making it all too suspect.
These are old movie prop swords that were being mis-identified as Civil War items. Many had parts from the Civil War, but almost all were put together or altered. There were thousands. Click Here to get the info! Studio Swords: Some Comments on Real and Reproduction Swords Used by the Hollywood Studios and How to Recognise Them
ICSA Online Bookstore in Association with Amazon.com!Here are our Top Ten Recommendations: Click to Order From AMAZON!
This is the new and best book on Japanese Military and Civil Swords. It is authored by Jim Dawson and is a follow-up to his earlier book on the subject. It is simply fantastic! He has compiled the best photo examples of Japanese swords available, including photos of rare European manufactured Japanese swords hitherto only represented by drawings in previous works. This is the single Japanese Military sword reference that you need to have. It covers parade sabers, katanas, and daggers from all military and civil branches, all conquered territories/colonies including swords of Manchuko (occupied Manchuruia) and the Mongol government. The Cyclopedia Edition is a greatly expanded revision of the 1996 sword book. Everything is new. Over 900 plus photographs are in color. Featured swords include kyu-gunto, cavalry swords, artillery swords, the army Red Cross sword, early naval swords, youth organization swords, court swords, police bureau swords, fire service swords, railroad swords, colonial empire swords, Manchukuoan swords, and the sword pistols developed for the cavalry to add firepower to the Type 32 saber. The best known swords of the Japanese military, the shin-gunto and kai-gunto of WWII, are presented in over seventy photographs. A Special Section features the gensui-to, the 1918 sword awarded to field marshals and fleet admirals.
The Cyclopedia Edition draws heavily on Japanese government documents now preserved as historical archives. Collections featured are from the United States, Japan, Australia, Israel, France, Britain, and Germany. A decade of research and two years in actual production have resulted in the finest of references, handsomely produced.
Swords of Imperial Japan 1868 - 1945 by Jim Dawson
This is the new and long awaited book on Chinese Military Swords. It is authored by Jan Culbertson and is the only known source of information in Chinese swords. This book covers Chinese military swords of the Qing Dynasty; Republican Period; Nationalist Period; PLA Army; Manchukuo; and even has a section of fake Chinese swords. Hundreds of colored photos; sword belts; knots; buckles; etc. The most comprehensive book ever printed on the subject. It is available in Hardcover and CD format.
Chinese Swords of the 20th Century by Jan Culbertson
Attention, Jan has a correction to his book. Click here to see the update.
We have provided a bibliography of the best sword reference books currently available. Each sword book is reviewed and described so you will get an idea of what it contains. There is a direct link to Amazon.com for each book. You can do online ordering of sword collecting reference books here at great prices. Check it out!
This rare out of print reference book is now online for viewing. Click on link below to view the entire contents.
Court Swords by Bashford Dean A must read for the smallsword collector.
This area highlights a unique sword for display. Each link includes several pictures and a brief description. For mystery swords we are looking for help in identifying the sword. The swords featured in this category will usually be unusual variations or rare items. Any association member or member of the online community can nominate one of their swords for this gallery. The current sword of the quarter is:
Japanese General Officers parade saber with hand forged blade
Rare Eskimo / Inuit / Tinglit whalebone sword
Mystery Swords:
Unusual Russian style dragoon cavalry sword with Islamic markings, Russian or ?
Unusual US Revenue Cutter Service Sword - New Pattern Identified?
Current Mystery Sword 7: A diamond encrusted Imperial Russian saber!!!!!!!
Mystery sword 6 deleted.
Current Mystery Sword 5: US Indian Scout Sword: What is it? Did it ever exist?
Current Mystery Sword 4: A Challenge!!! We Know the Answer, Now You Take your Best Shot!!
Current Mystery Sword 3: European Dispatch Riders Sword? SOLVED by Jean from Belgium!!! - Imperial German Postal Railway Protection Force Degen
Current Mystery Sword 2: Imperial German "Dragon" Sword? SOLVED by Peter From Germany!!! - Chinese Army Cavalry Saber c1900
Current Mystery Sword 1: Gladius Pattern "Bullseye" hilt
Take a look at the current mystery swords and if you can identify any of them (or make a good guess) please send us the information. The results (or best guesses) will be posted.
Click here for Mystery Sword Archive
Please check these links to other sword information sites. These includes sites on US CIvil war swords, Japanese nihonto (samuarai swords), Javanese kris or keris, European rapiers, etc. Also links to companies making quality reproductions.
Click here for additional sword information sites
" Fur Ehre und Pflicht bis Herz und Klinge Bricht". Which translates,
"For Honor and Duty Until Heart and Sword Break".
17. century Polish nobleman's sabre:
"Sam tu starce, sam tu smyki, prosze, prosze, na zraziki"
And translation:
"Come here old ones, come here kids, I invite you to beef-rolades"
best regards
Alex
Click on the links below to see short informative articles on sword collecting topics:
There are many good reference books available on the topic of edged weapon collecting. Despite their numbers, these books do not provide a thorough reference set for all areas of sword and dagger collecting. Because of this we are initiating a forum for the research and compilation of detailed information on some specific sword collecting topics.
This site is intended to provide a location where the collecting community can exchange, publish and verify sword collecting information. It will allow the collecting community as a whole to focus on singular topics as well as topics that are not easily within the reach of a single collector. These topics will be generally focused at the advanced collector, but will be very informative to the beginner as well.
Current research topics are:
Active Discussions:
How to Contribute to Our Research Projects
Here are some short articles on specific subjects authored by individual association members.
The US Naval Cutlass (Author: Steve C.) - The Navy sent an Email from beautiful Bahrain, wondering where the pictures were so I posted the 1860 pictures and the text. Enjoy! We still need pics of an 1840!
Grip variations in US Civil War 1850 Foot Officers Swords (Author: Mike Mac)
Fraternal Swords - Fraternal organizations, religious organizations, lodges, or secret societies have been active in Europe and the Americas for many centuries. Part of the ceremony and regalia of these organizations usually included the wearing of special uniforms or vestments, often including a sword. Click below for a guide to Fraternal Swords and their symbology. There is good identification information here!!!
Click here for Fraternal Association Swords
We have discovered a resource for restoration / repair of masonic Knights Templar swords!!! Check them out if yours need work! Click here for Restoration of Masonic Knights Templar Swords
Veterans Association Swords - After the US Civil War many veterans from both sides of the conflict formed veterans organizations. Chief among these for the Union side is the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). Confederate veterans formed similar organizations. Later, as the veterans grew older, a number of organizations for the sons of the veterans were formed. With all of these groups came regalia and uniforms similar to those of the fraternal organizations, including swords. Little is known of the variations and types of these Veterans Association swords. This site is intended to provide a focal point for the accumulation and compilation of information about these swords.
Click here for Veteran Association Swords
Most military academies utilized swords for ceremonies and parades. At some academies such as West Point, each cadet was required to have a sword. At others, only the cadet officers were required to have swords. Several general patterns for these swords have been documented in reference books, but specific examples from specific academies are not well documented. This section is intended to provide a focal point for collectors of cadet swords to exchange information about the patterns and variations seen in these swords.
Click here for Military Academy, ROTC & Cadet Swords
We are initiating a subpage to collect information on identification of reproduction or fake swords and daggers. Currently a number of people are producing very good (and very deceptive) reproductions. We would like to compile list of the patterns of swords as well as descriptions and photos. We would like to compile a Hints and Tips for each faked sword style to help collectors tell the real thing from the fake. We ask the general sword collecting community to provide information for inclusion in the site.
Click Here For Information on Reproduction & "Fake" Swords
It has been noted that there is limited information about the edged weapons of many of the smaller or less military oriented countries of the world. As a first step in compiling examples of military, diplomatic and civil swords for these countries the ISCA has initiated the development of a picture gallery sorted by country. Any collector that has a sword that is thought to be from a specific country on the list (or not on the list) is asked to send a picture of the sword to the ISCA for review and potential inclusion in the list. Please provide as much information as you can about the origin and identity of the sword. In general, we are looking for official Military and Civil "pattern" swords for this section. "National", "ethnic" or regional styles such as Indian Khanda or Sudanese Kaskara tend to vary greatly , photos of these types will be limited in number as good references are available at other sites on the web (See Sword Links page). Images will be posted on the website as disk space allows.
View Some Current Examples in the Gallery of International Swords
Click here for the current want list of countries
The sword ID Section is closed temporarily during our research on the first ISCA information booklet.
The website is open for free viewing to all collectors. However, we want to keep track of those who actively support the goals of the site, so formal membership is open to anyone who contributes significant information to the website. We will keep a list of all the contributors and this will make up the formal membership role. As of now there are no membership fees. There are no tangible membership benefits at this time either. As the group grows, we may institute a formal membership with logo shirts, discounts on published documents, and activities such as an association table/booth at the major arms shows.
Copyright 1999 Internet Sword Collectors Association
(The information contained in this website is the property of the Internet Sword Collectors Association and reproduction, copying and reuse is prohibited without prior written consent from the Association)
keywords: club collector collectors collecting sword swords edged weapons edge weapon dagger nihonto broadsword rapier epee saber sabre katana tonto wakizashi cutlass fencing arms armor armour tulwar keris scimitar kris antiques militaria military uniforms scabbard knot blade hilt pommel collectibles eaglehead army navy marine fraternal swordsmith swordsmiths swordmaker swordmakers restoration repair parts identification polishing japanese samurai menuki fuchi kashira german russian french american US USN USRCS USMC british USRM antique antiques veteran GAR