A couple of 19th century non regulation swords.
Here is a straight blade with a Bavarian 1826 hilt influence. American market import marked to WH Horstmann. Likely early in his opening his NYC Maiden Lane store (he was based in Philadelphia). A favorite adoption of mine (I like most of what I own).
A French private purchase sword, a precursor to the French 1882 infantry swords. Second Empire, Parisian cutler, Coulaux/Klingenthal blade. Another very comfy and lively thrusting fencible.
I have collected many more images than swords. Some many hundreds of individual sword images and upwards of twenty thousand img files in dozens of bladed weapon file folders. I'd like to say I have as many associated books as swords and books (and articles), which are invaluable to my understanding of the makers and their swords. I truly most focus on a scant half century of American swords and will spend a lifetime. I try to budget at least one major book a year and I have a long way to go. Others likely collect and use them for much different reasons, whether swordsmanship or casual cutting, or just decoration. While I focus a lot for my sword interests, I try to be a bit more of a well rounded (not just my gut) renaissance man. Retired and no kids have let me dabble.
Cheers
GC
My bronze fitted Arms&Armor Black Prince went to a close friend (as have other items) and now sports a dandy blue grip. I get visitation rights and it may well come home once again. I had long held it up as my favorite and one I would never part with.
My Glen Parell Conyer's falchion went to the same fellow in a trade. Here is the original, encased on display.
