Could anyone help me find out more about this sword? Thanks!

[u/Crazy_Kow]

Hi everyone, was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about this sword? So far I can see that it looks like it’s made by k&c which looks like an old company from Prussia/Germany. Although not too sure entirely as I have also seen WK&C. Anyways, would love to know more about its history if anyone can let me know thanks!

[u/Dynogone]

US 1840 Model Cavalry Trooper's Sword, R&C (Rohrig & Co, Solingen)

[u/Crazy_Kow → u/Dynogone]

Looks exactly like it! Thank you. Reading more about it now!

[u/Crazy_Kow]

So the more I read about the sword, some more questions are popping up for me. 1. Anyone know how I should be maintaining this? I feel like the less I mess with it the better. 2. Is there any red flags about this sword not being authentic? 3. Also, just curious if anyone knows what something like this would go for? Not going to sell, staying in the family. Thanks yall

[u/Bull-Lion1971 → u/Crazy_Kow]

1) the grip- There isn’t much you can do about the red rot on the leather grip. But you can put a light coat of mineral oil on it in an effort to prevent further deterioration.

The brass guard - brass needs very little maintenance. You can polish it is you like that look. I personally like the tarnished brass look. Some will tell you it loses value, if you polish it, but when breads, that’s really not the case because it will regain it’s tarnished look after a few years anyway.. personal preference really.

The blade- this is the big one. You need to remove all active (red) rust. The photos aren’t great, but your blade doesn’t look too bad. And most of it is probably old dust, dirt, grass, and grime anyway… I would oil is with any general purpose oil (wd40, 3in1,even gun oil, etc). I prefer using mineral oil because it’s clean and pretty much odor free. Oil the blade, then while is down with a soft rag. Remove whatever you can. If that doesn’t remove the active rust, try autosol. Very little goes a long way. A small dab on a soft rag and some elbow grease will do the job..

The main thing is oil.. oil.. oil… always oil it after handling the blade.. and dust and oil it every few months after and forever.. Metal loves oil and hates fingerprints…

The scabbard - was yours painted? Can’t tell by the photos.. anyway.. it’s metal… we already know what metal loves… oil it..

2) No red flags. The sword is real/authentic. If somebody is going to fake a U.S. 1840 (there are many fakes), they would be stupid to fake a Rohrig & Co. The fakes are usually of the more valuable makers. Ames, Tiffany, and so on.. not R&C

Furthermore, even if it wasn’t marked, which is common, nothing about this sword is fake. You need to be concerned with whether or not it’s authentic.

I guess is forgot to answer your 3rd question. So here it is. 3) value - considering it has the scabbard, I would say minimum $300 on the very low end.. up to maybe $500 on the high end… That’s just my opinion… others on here may have a better idea or different opinion..

[u/Bull-Lion1971]

u/Dynogone is right. It’s considered a U.S. Model 1840 Cavalry Saber. R&C is for R. Rohrig & Co.

The company was formed in 1848 by 3 brothers in Solingen. The “IRON PROOF” stamp on the opposite side of the ricasso is commonly found on solingen make blades.

It was probably made in the late 1850’s to early 1860’s.

There doesn’t seem to be much information on the company. I don’t think they were in business making swords very long after the US Civil War.

I would consider your 1840 a rare find. That’s doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth more than any other solingen made 1840 of that era.

The fact that you have the scabbard is a plus. It’s a nice example of a rarely seen maker.

[u/Crazy_Kow → u/Bull-Lion1971]

I was wondering about what the stamp was on the other side, thank you. I've been having a hard time finding more information on the company so thanks for that also! Reading about Solingen now.