In a recent post I shared treasure from the Once in a Blue Moon dump in Old Sacramento. (scribe's case, crucibles, two pistolas)
In response to this post Botlguy (Jim Sinsley) mentioned that he once found a pair of brass knuckles in a layer of liquor bottles years ago. Sadly someone stole them. In reply I mentioned that the Once in a Blue Moon dump had given me an unusual sword. I have this item safely tucked away in a corner of my garage. I know absolutely nothing about swords. Black anaerobic mud preserves good steel & I was able to preserve the metal part of the sword. The wooden handle was intact when I found it but did not survive restoration. Before it melted away, I used a micrometer and “miked†it's dimensions. I reproduced an exact replacement handle and applied it to the sword. I spoke to some people who do early history re-enactments. They told me at one time the handle was probably covered with animal hide. So I set to the task of making a deerskin covering; and slipped the forged rings back over the handle. Just like the original.
Voila! a preserved sword.
The sword has no hallmark or markings of any kind. It is remarkably balanced. In fact so balanced it's hard to restrain from whipping it around. I know this because I have nearly destroyed various items in my house....including a living room chandelier. The weight of the sword is 7.5lbs...It stands 5 foot 6inches tall. It is surprisingly sharp.
I refuse to hang the sword in my home. It really doesn't go with the architecture and it's a danger to anyone who goes near it. I mean it. It has a life of it's own. It whispers “ You are Connan the Barberian...you have always wanted to swing a sword,†Paint chips and a nearly destroyed chandelier convinced me I was not Arnold Schwarzenegger. It will sit in the garage.
My guess is early Conquistadors on horseback brought it here. That would explain it's length & crudity.
I welcome any speculation. This item was found in a 1850's Gold Rush dump with gold rush items.
In response to this post Botlguy (Jim Sinsley) mentioned that he once found a pair of brass knuckles in a layer of liquor bottles years ago. Sadly someone stole them. In reply I mentioned that the Once in a Blue Moon dump had given me an unusual sword. I have this item safely tucked away in a corner of my garage. I know absolutely nothing about swords. Black anaerobic mud preserves good steel & I was able to preserve the metal part of the sword. The wooden handle was intact when I found it but did not survive restoration. Before it melted away, I used a micrometer and “miked†it's dimensions. I reproduced an exact replacement handle and applied it to the sword. I spoke to some people who do early history re-enactments. They told me at one time the handle was probably covered with animal hide. So I set to the task of making a deerskin covering; and slipped the forged rings back over the handle. Just like the original.
Voila! a preserved sword.
The sword has no hallmark or markings of any kind. It is remarkably balanced. In fact so balanced it's hard to restrain from whipping it around. I know this because I have nearly destroyed various items in my house....including a living room chandelier. The weight of the sword is 7.5lbs...It stands 5 foot 6inches tall. It is surprisingly sharp.
I refuse to hang the sword in my home. It really doesn't go with the architecture and it's a danger to anyone who goes near it. I mean it. It has a life of it's own. It whispers “ You are Connan the Barberian...you have always wanted to swing a sword,†Paint chips and a nearly destroyed chandelier convinced me I was not Arnold Schwarzenegger. It will sit in the garage.
My guess is early Conquistadors on horseback brought it here. That would explain it's length & crudity.
I welcome any speculation. This item was found in a 1850's Gold Rush dump with gold rush items.
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