Saber ID

I recently acquired this M1860 Cavalry Officers Saber, It is a 19th century imported and unmarked Civil War era saber but the sharkskin wrapped grip shape is throwing me off. It is completely flat on the top of the grip. I am assuming it was made either in Germany or France and imported during the war for private sale to well to do American Army officers.
I know that different makers may have had their own interpretation as to the grip style since they were not regulation. Has anyone ever saw this and is it a Civil War era 1860 Officers Saber? Thanks for the help!

Here's a thread and maybe you can find a closer answer...maybe French? It has NO markings?

1840 1860 1872 sabres and swords - EDGED WEAPONS - U.S. Militaria Forum

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Here's a thread and maybe you can find a closer answer...maybe French? It has NO markings?

1840 1860 1872 sabres and swords - EDGED WEAPONS - U.S. Militaria Forum

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Hi Jim,

Thanks I tried to register there but just like Sword Forum Internationals they never sent an email with a link to join the forum.
It’s driving me crazy to try and ID this. Yes completely unmarked.

I know there are some here that can help as soon as they come see this...give them a minute.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

I know there are some here that can help as soon as they come see this...give them a minute.

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Thanks Jim.

Go to Facebook and ask to join the international antique sword collector group. Post those pics there and I'll bet that you'll have all the information you need, and more, in less than a day. There should be some marks of some sort where the blade meets the hilt. The flat part where the fuller ends is called the ricasso and normally you'll find some marks or stamps there.

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Originally Posted by lawrence_n

Go to Facebook and ask to join the international antique sword collector group. Post those pics there and I'll bet that you'll have all the information you need, and more, in less than a day. There should be some marks of some sort where the blade meets the hilt. The flat part where the fuller ends is called the ricasso and normally you'll find some marks or stamps there.

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Thanks but unfortunately I’m not on Facebook and I getting ready to ditch Instagram. Blade is completely unmarked.

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Originally Posted by lawrence_n

Post those pics there

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Maybe you can do it for him Lawrence? You're a member there? Works out the same...

go to civil war talk forums they have a lot of sword experts

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Maybe you can do it for him Lawrence? You're a member there? Works out the same...

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Thanks Jim. I did that and the guys on the sword forum didn't disappoint. It's a Belgian sword and I got all the information sent to the OP.

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Originally Posted by rice 123

go to civil war talk forums they have a lot of sword experts

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They thought it was a French m1896 which I am positive now that it is not.

---------- Post added at 09:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:14 PM ----------

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Originally Posted by lawrence_n

Thanks Jim. I did that and the guys on the sword forum didn't disappoint. It's a Belgian sword and I got all the information sent to the OP.

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Thanks again Lawrence!!
On the SBG Sword Forum someone suggested
that it is possibly a rehilted Belgian 1802 blade with a custom officer’s 1834 hilt..

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Originally Posted by lawrence_n

a Belgian sword

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Originally Posted by RFH

a French m1896

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Guys saying it's French and it turns out Belgian, well they aren't so far wrong or apart. There was a close relationship there... Anyway, now you have it so thanks Lawrence...again.