December's Monthly Dinner Group Gathering

Above, chatting after dinner. Martin Link is the gent in the blue shirt. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The last dinner party of 2018 at historian Martin Link's residence in Gallup, New Mexico was held tonight.

Above, the small dining room is where guests can get beverages. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A group of ten enjoyed a Mexican-themed dinner and great conversation on what's happening in and around Gallup and Fort Wingate. An interesting topic that came up was how the trading posts in the region have changed from real trading posts (where bartering and trading took place) to convenience stores today. There's very few real trading posts still around.

Above, the den/living room where we had dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Link's home is almost like a museum with Native American art and kachinas throughout the house for guests to admire.

Above, a couple of kachinas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There was plenty of snow still on the ground and because the temperatures were around 25°, some of the snow turned into ice and it made walking outside a little tricky. Fortunately, nobody slipped an fell.

It was a good thing the dinner was held today as another blizzard is expected in the area tomorrow.

Above, an art print of familiar rocks in the area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The dinner parties are generally held on the last Sunday of each month.

When we left to head back home, the outside temperature in Gallup was 26°. When we reached Jamestown, it was 18° outside. Brrr!

More photos of Martin Link's collection:

Above, kachina Indian dancers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a nice sword. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, red and green chile peppers are a big part of New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a display over the fireplace. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sword Information

Above, the sword's handle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A response at the sword forum to my query on what my sword is.

It reads:

Kingdom of Prussia, NCO of Artillery after 1910. Nickel plated blade not Stainless Steel. The same saber if brass or gold hilt, is cavalry NCO. 

BTW: This design lasted until 1945, and yours could be post WW 1 too. We would have to see the trade mark and blade configuration to know for sure.

I posted a photo of the blade in response. I see no trade marks or any other markings.

I did look up Kingdom of Prussia swords and many of them look like the one I have.

We'll see what the "final verdict" is.

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UPDATE:

After posting the photo (below) of the blade, I received this response:

Armand: That is Wiemar/Third Reich...

Swordplay

Above, the sword mounted below the "Three Mesas" painting. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After mounting the sword I have on the wall yesterday, I got curious about who made it and when. Up to now, I had not looked into its origins.

I did some searching around different sword-related websites and found some very similar to the one I have. I inherited it from my dad 19 years ago. I had it mounted on the wall above the main entry door to my Tarzana, California apartment.

Above, a little closer view. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It may be a cavalry sword from the 1800s from what I saw. There are some differences, so I am not entirely sure about it. My two breakfast/coffee companions this morning also thought it is a cavalry sword.

I believe the blade was replaced as the one on it seems new and stainless steel (I could be mistaken). The handle looks like it may be original. Again, I am not entirely sure as it is possible that the whole thing may be a reproduction.

Above, the handle may be original. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So, I joined a sword-related forum and now waiting to be fully activated so I can post photos, etc. to see if it can be positively identified.

Whatever it is, it still looks good on the wall.