Original M1902 Army Officer's Saber

Grapeshot · April 28, 2012, 04:36:53 PM

I've gone and done it. I went to the NRA's Gun Show in Chantilly right after I got off the plane coming back from Iraq. I found a M1902 Army Officer's Saber that is in need of renickling. The Blade is in beautiful condition, and the scabbord is intact and without any dents. Now I need some one to renickle the scabbord and guard.

Any one out there know who does this work? Do any of you have a link or address to them?

St. George · April 28, 2012, 08:25:57 PM

I had one re-done at a religious goods supply house - really...

Being serious platers, they did a nice enough job, but an original scabbard had solid rings - not split rings like later ones - and they managed to plate them to the scabbard body a little.

Enough to where I could tell, anyway...

The guard was fine, and the blade was, too - until something started to rust the tip, because there are wooden slats that keep the thing from rattling and they got some solution on them.

I Simichromed it, oiled it, and sold it to a JAG Officer...

Did you know they came in different blade lengths?

They do - and an Officer bought one commensurate with his height.

There are also variants that are ever-so-slightly smaller, overall - those were for cadets at boys' schools.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

cpt dan blodgett · April 28, 2012, 10:30:11 PM

They are fitted by height but the real deal is related to arm and neck length the point is supposed to be at eye level when carried

Grapeshot · April 29, 2012, 06:10:26 AM

Yes, I do know that they are made in different sizes consumerate with the officer's height.

The current models are strictly for show and are made along the lines of the 1872 cavalry saber with the 1902 grip and guard. My original M1902 is a substantial hunk of steel and could be used as a weapon with no second thoughts, the current version, I'd only feel comfortable facing a foe armed with a rapier. Then again, maybe I wouldn't.

Drydock · May 04, 2012, 08:23:27 PM

IMVHO I don't think Army officers have had a decent sword since the 1850. Probably why the USN kept their version.

And probably why the USA recently reauthorized the M1850 foot and staff for those officers who wished to carry it in ceremonial duties.

Niederlander · May 04, 2012, 09:39:19 PM

Quote from: Drydock on May 04, 2012, 08:23:27 PM
IMVHO I don't think Army officers have had a decent sword since the 1850. Probably why the USN kept their version.

And probably why the USA recently reauthorized the M1850 foot and staff for those officers who wished to carry it in ceremonial duties.

I would have to agree with that. The "Patton" saber had to be one of ugliest "Long Knives" ever issued!

Grapeshot · May 05, 2012, 09:40:41 AM

Quote from: Drydock on May 04, 2012, 08:23:27 PM
IMVHO I don't think Army officers have had a decent sword since the 1850. Probably why the USN kept their version.

And probably why the USA recently reauthorized the M1850 foot and staff for those officers who wished to carry it in ceremonial duties.

That would be awsome. Always thought that the current dress saber was a bit lacking in intimidation. I will say this, the 1860 Officer's Cavalry Saber was a great, well balanced weapon and many officers prefered to wear it rather than the 1860 Staff and field officers sword the regulations dictated after 1872. The M1902 borrowed heavily from the 1860 model except for the grip and guard.

By the way, LtC Drydock, do you have a reference to your post so I can look it up and pester the PX on getting one?

Drydock · May 05, 2012, 05:09:00 PM

I had the reference on my old laptop, the one that fried last year. See if I can find it again. I think it came about around the same time they readopted the blue uniform.

Cowtown Scout · May 06, 2012, 10:18:23 PM

Here is my original 1902. Photo taken this last weekend at the Texas State Championship banquet by Major Photography of Austin Texas.
Scout

cpt dan blodgett · May 09, 2012, 06:57:04 PM

Holy Moly my orig 1850 FOS is once again regulation, totally cool

Drydock · May 09, 2012, 08:35:59 PM

Going thru current army uniform regs, NO mention of swords is made! Not even the 1902. HOWEVER, there are several references to such accoutrements being approved by the unit commander. Thus calvary units can use 1860 sabres, Artillery units can use 1840s, etc, with the unit commanders permission. What I had, and cannot find back yet, was a directive from the Army CofS sometime in 2010, allowing his officers to wear the 1850 if desired.

It may be in the weapons regs somewhere, but I've not found it yet.

As no one I ever knew really liked the 1902, this seems to make sense to me!

Grapeshot · May 09, 2012, 08:42:02 PM

Thanks Col. Appreciate the effort.

Hill Beachy · June 30, 2012, 05:31:34 PM

Quote from: St. George on April 28, 2012, 08:25:57 PM
Being serious platers, they did a nice enough job, but an original scabbard had solid rings - not split rings like later ones - and they managed to plate them to the scabbard body a little.

Interesting indeed! I have an old M1902 which I picked up well-used about 20 years ago and which now resides in the corner of my the office. It has solid rings on it. I wonder whether it is one of the earlier ones? There are no maker's marks on it that I can see,