A few sabers anyone? At last count I think there's something like 42 of them. Well, only about 160 more to go then all TR era configurations should be covered.

Very Very nice mate - have a Puma 30 yet

Why do you throw them in a heap like that?

If you'll notice, they are laying on a comforter on a bed. It's where they sleep at night.

Actually, the display had a broken glass plate so they were out pending display case repair.

Please be careful with them.

All the best ..

Mike Wipf

Well, the girls are back where they belong. A quick trip to Homedepot and $4.25 in cash remedied the display case.

I guess that at some point, tempered glass inset must be used as my shelving. When I had built the display cases, I had cut corners and mitigated expense by using items like lower grade, plate glass for art/window. I've priced out the custom tempered glass and at 44"x20" it will run around $225. Where as, I currently operate the middle shelf withe 2, 20"x16" plates. If I'm caerful and don't drop a brass hilt, we've got no problems. Becuase the middle display (and consequently that main area) houses 18 sabers, 4 of which are displayed on Shea's stands, the other 4 are loose fit and layed on the glass in articulate angels which maximize viewing pleasure, handling this area required a high degree of care be excercised. Placing in a heavy brass hilted piece is what shattered one of the plates last week and forced emergency removal from the display.

You may ask why do I not use thin ply covered with glass for the middle shelf. Answer, becuase to thoroughly view the addiotnal 2 sabers stands on the bottom shelf (which is wooden)require transparant shelving. Tempered glass will be the next addition to the display.

When I complete my 2nd display, the box will be roughly the same dimensions, this time the middle shelf will really be the bottom of the display area, and will be covered with mirrored glass to reflect the display cieling lights. Blow the display will be a sliding drawer for my wife's CD collection.

Always, sabers, swords, and degens become a channenge to display. They key is being able to display unsheather in an environment which offers protection from dust and dirt, and grubby childrens hands which are not able to touch. My homemade custom display cases work very well, and look quite decent in the room. Complete with back panel access, as well as hingd roofing for top access as well. I've seen many creative saber display styles, and with all my trial and error, I found that Bills stands are the best around hands down. Hold 7 sabers, each saber suspended in front of each sabers respective scabbard. The stands are made of a clear acrlyic material thus minimal visual impact and very little detraction from the toys themselves. I also own a few of hi 4 sword stands, and 1 sword stands. Each of which has a place in a different collection in the bunker.

Hanging sabers on the wall looks nice, but presents the usual problems of cleaning. No protection on the walls. Subject to dust and grime. In the case, the pieces are only cleaned once a year, which typically involved only a wipe down from a very soft cloth. Every now and then, a new layer of Renwax will be applied sparingly if the dictates a new coat is neccessary.

http://www.therupturedduck.com/WebPages/Edged/v-4.htm

Not plugging Bills site, but these have been the best I've used.

The clear, acrylic stands.

I would love to see a photo of the display. Joe S

Joe-
Here's my main display. You'll notice the plate glass shelf midway between the top and bottom of the case. It's comprised of 2 20x16" plate glass panels..very easy to break..hence one did. For the interim it will continue to work until I order the tempered glass.

A bit better of a photo.

This case was a 1 day project, and was constructed of pretty low-grade pine. Sanded, stained, sealed, and cut the plexi with a table saw. Worked out well for a $100 investment. When I redo the "bunker"..uch uch..caugh caugh., I mean the guest bedroom, I intend to install built-ins which will hopefully accommodate the collection on a little more permanent display.

As it stands, all my M-1902s are hanging on the walls, which I really don't care for. However, I do have 2 sabers crossed which adds that whole "Cav" look to it.

Why not put Mr Sheas stands on some descreet brackets off the back of the case then you wouldnt need or risk overloading the glass shelf
Very nice collection by the way congrats

Nice display!

But, you know... I don't think there is such a thing as, "Just a few too many." I tend to believe in the more is better theory. I do tend to get myself into a little bit of trouble when I accumulate variations of the same model sword. I tell my wife that collecting these variations is called, "collecting in depth." Sometimes she seems to buy that and sometimes she just rolls her eyes and lets me think that I am pretty clever.

Thanks for the nice words guys. George, I tend to agree. I prefer to be a "generalist" in a specialized area of collecting...gotta love the oxymoron. I don't discriminate. I love each and every example ever produced .

As far as the glass breacking, as long as the weight is distributed evenly, it's ok. I shattered the plate last week after dropping a saber on one of the plates. Heavy bradd D-guards tend to break things like plate glass. Caution needs to be excercised when working inside the display. Tempered glass should rectify the situation. But as far as load bearing, there havn't been any issues.

Keep 'em rollin' fellas.

Tom, if I am seeing correctly you have plenty of supports, ends and middle? Wondering about the use of 1/4" Plexiglass for a shelf?

Would like to see the 1902's. I just acquired an odd to me example through a trade. Unmarked, Named on one side the other side looks to have four Oriental letters. Value is nill as the blade was sharpened and the scabbard has been in a damp environment.

Regards,--dj--Joe

quote:

Originally posted by derjager:
Would like to see the 1902's. I just acquired an odd to me example through a trade. Unmarked, Named on one side the other side looks to have four Oriental letters. Value is nill as the blade was sharpened and the scabbard has been in a damp environment.

Regards,--dj--Joe

Tom,

I am with Joe and I too would also like to see your US Model 1902 Sabres.

These 1902s are some of the ones that I tend to get into trouble with as I collect variations of this model sword. Perhaps you could start a 1902 thread and maybe Joe and I (and others) could add to it?

George

... Tom... u are making me drool...magnificent !!
I made a custom sword case and will show it soon..

Cheers,
Ibrahim.

Tom>>>nice collection >>>>i like the knots the way you positioned them on the swords>>>
>
Aleksandr

My M1902s don't hold a candle to some of the very rare pieces that were posted here over the course of the last few weeks.

This example is an engraved presentation piece to a US Captain. Both the scabbard and backstrap is personalized.

Backstrap

This piece is an early 1902 made by Donovan of Columbus OH. This piece attracted me as it's an ROTC piece from Ohio State, and has arsenal numbers as well.

OSU hand stenciled, as well as various arsenal numbering. It looks like it had been redeliniated a number of times as it relates to property/arsenal #ing.

Those 2 pieces are probably the most interesting M1902s that I have. Nothing all that alluring. However, I do enjoy collecting the pieces, and at times can be had a for a decent price. That being said, the named, engraved and pesonalized pieces have been commanding more and more $$ in recent times. I havn't added any new pieces in over 2 years.

I've got these 2 hung on the wall, in a crossed cavalry configuration just for the heck of it.

I enjoy adding sabers from different time periods as the materials that were used, specifically for the hilts grip are all different. The earliest pieces have a wooden grip, naturally. The latest piece is have is from around 1949-1951, and is a Horstmann, which utilizes a celluloid/plastic material for her grip.