Bucaneers Sword

[Jon A.]

Bucaneer's Sword

Here's another item my father picked up as a child in a junkyard in New Orleans in the 1930's. He had it sitting in his attic of his washed out home due to Katrina. He was going to leave it along with other things for the looters but I said no way and drove down from NJ to get it.

It is what I believe a Buccaneer's sword. It measures 38" in length and has the name "Knecht" engraved on the blade near the hilt. The hand grip is made of wood. I see no other engravings that would give me an idea about this sword.

Can someone give me an idea what this is? Where it might have come from?

Thanks for any help.

Jon

 

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[Retired Sarge]

Knecht = A long line of the Knecht family who made swords in Germany from circa 1620-1978. Various markings over the years so it can be confusing as to when it was made, a little patience will be needed.

 

[Dano Sverige]

German duelling sword probably. The type that used to put the scars on upper class faces before WW2. Reinhard Heydrich SS leader was an accomplished swordsman, though didn't have the scar.

 

[ABruce]

I'll go along with dueling saber, but it just seems a bit short at 38" overall. Perhaps it was cut down a bit after breaking or bending the tip.

 

[unclemac]

Is the blade straight? A naval cutlass is going to have a slight curve to it (very often) and have a wider blade....and a more "hefty" feel about it. The wooden handle doesn't look right either. When you Google dueling sword, similar handles to yours pops up.

 

[Jon A.]

Hello again. From the hilt cup (where the word "Knecht is located) to the tip of the blade measures 31 1/4" . The blade is straight at the top but the bottom of the blade, the sharp side, measures 3/4" at the hilt cup and tapers to a rounded point as seen in the photo. It's a curious item and I believe it is very old. Having been found in New Orleans, I would have thought it belonged to a buccaneer, which is still a possibility.