Nothing to do with wood working.

Take it to antiques roadshow when it comes to town.

-- Bob in WW ~ "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence

Often, you can find a historian at a college near you, sometimes they even know what they are doing, or contact a couple of antique dealers, let them know you are not interested in selling it, just Identifying it. You may have to contact a few prior to getting any real info, but I am sure that one or two either know about this or know of someone.

Also, check out civil war societies on the web, they may have some help for you.

-- http://www.ahomespecialist.net, Making design and application one. †

I noticed your in Australia, so it might be hard for you to find someone. Post some pictures, I’m sure there are a few people interested and could provide you some insight.

I have to ask – - Did you deliberately use the word “wood” instead of “would” in your post because this is a woodworking forum? Cute!

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

Oops, guess I should have looked first, didn’t realize you were in Australia, sorry.

Your best bet may be the internet. Look up US Calvary swords and begin to see who deals in authentic ones. Begin to contact them, this may be your best bet, other than posting a picture here. I’m sure, with all of the talent here, that someone has an idea or two.

-- http://www.ahomespecialist.net, Making design and application one. †

Try these guys: http://www.tortugatrading.com/

Don’t do what I did, I let my daughter take a couple WW1 Stars and Stripes news papers I had from the War in France to show her history teacher in school, he asked to borrow them for a few days and after a month went by I called him and demanded he give them back to my daughter! Thankfully he did.

-- (You just have to please the man in the Mirror) Mike from Michigan -

What markings are cut into it?

-- Ohh mann...pancakes and boobies...I'll bet that's what Heaven is like! ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣

Thanks for all the advice I will search the net and post some pics, It is a bit hard from Down Under.
Thanks everyone.

-- Phill from down under

There are many many sources for this information. First we must determine the age. If its made by contract foe government issue just identifying it will give us an idea on age. 4 generations could be as new as 80 or as old as 300 yrs. US Army still issued sabers until prior to WW-ll. Suggest that you take and post multiable pictures, both sides scabbard if you have one, close up of any markings. If you post them or PM them to me I may be able to find out some areas and point you in the right direction.

-- RTB. stray animals are just looking for love

Sabre’s regardless of nation of origin have a stamp make on the back of the blade near the hilt. this once deciphered will tell you what armory made it and for what orginization. It will also tell you the dte of manufacture. once you have this, you will need to contact the arms and ammunitions of that country. They will be able to detail it’s service for you.

-- Semper Fi, Randy Sr.