A QUICK STUDY IN THE WIRE WRAP OF CIVIL WAR SABERS

I have been told by an "expert" that claims to do "about 10 wraps a week" there is no such thing as a left hand or a right hand twist. He further stated "that it is all the same twist wise depending on which end you poke into the grip first." Let's take a look, shall we?

Notice how the slant of the wire twist remains the same no matter which way you turn the wire. Now, let's take a look at some sword grips with their original wire wrap still intact.

1840 ARTILLERY SABERS

Of the thirteen U.S. Model 1840 Artillery sabers displayed here, nine have wire wrap with a right hand twist, the other four have wire wrap with a left hand twist. Most of those with the right hand twist were manufactured by Ames.

1840 CAVALRY SABERS

Of the ninteen U.S. Model 1840 cavalry sabers displayed here, three have wire wrap with a right hand twist, the other sixteen have wire wrap with a left hand twist. Most of those with the left hand twist were manufactured by Ames.

Like everything there are exceptions to the rule. Many swords were imported from European makers and the specs given them were sketchy. Then there is what I call Friday specials. Perhaps the manufacturer ran short of the proper wire, and racing to meet a deadline and used what was in stock. Or perhaps the worker ran short or wasn't paying attention and grabbed whatever was near. Who knows.

But whatever the reason, the majority of U.S. cavalry sabers, that I have examined, with the original wire wrap still intact, the wire is a left hand twist. And of the U.S. artillery sabers, I have examined, I found the majority of them, with the original wire wrap still intact, the wire wrap is a right hand twist.

SEE HOW I DE-FARBED MY REPRODUCTION MODEL 1840 ARTILLERY SABER CLICK HERE