American Swordmakers is the definitive reference volume to American swords from Colonial times to the present. In addition to the men, companies, and government facilities that made swords, this reference also contains a huge amount of data on the makers of dirks, naval and infantry pikes, cavalry lances, halberds, tomahawks, and bayonets. This book, which contains information formerly found in American Swords and Swordmakers, also features: All government sword contracts, from the first with Nathan Starr in 1798 to the last in 1916 with Landers, Frary, rClark Detailed information on all U.S. and Confederate arsenals and armories that were involved with swords in any way A complete list of U.S. military arms inspectors and the initials they used on inspected blades A chapter on early silversmiths who hilted swords Two chapters on all the dealers and retailers that sold swords This wealth of information makes American Swordmakers an indispensable reference for both the beginner and experienced collector of edged weaponry. b/w illustrations