Thomas Edward Brophy (1914 – 1983) was the paternal grandson and maternal son of three Irish immigrants, one of twelve children, a World War II veteran, He was a farmer, a rancher, a one-term Yuma County Commissioner, an all-round good-natured man, and a bachelor.
In one of his pastures in the sand dunes northwest of Ekrie and northeast of Schramm, you can see the year that “Uncle Tom” found a lump of iron stubbornly falling in the sand not far from the livestock tank. no one is Excavation revealed it to be a sword with a broken blade, a brass hilt, and a handguard with a piece of leather wrapped around the grip. He didn’t know exactly what he had discovered, but he still enjoyed sharing this strange find with his family and friends.
My niece, Joni (Brophy) Colwell, who lives in rural Atchison, Kansas, said: Shortly before Uncle Tom died, I think his dad asked Uncle Tom (her brother) if he could have that sword. I’m sure Uncle Tom would have been happy to give it to them because he knew how much they would enjoy and appreciate it. Enjoy what they did! Mom and Dad loved talking to most of the people who had been there over the years about antiques, arrowheads and old bottles, and swords were no exception. “
Jim shared the story of the sword with local historian and author Matt Vincent. Matt Vincent’s investigation revealed that the sword was likely lost or abandoned by its owner during Lt. It was judged. Joni inherited his father’s and mother’s love and appreciation for antiques and called on the sword to continue sharing its story with others. After nearly five years of storage in rural northeastern Kansas, the sword that adorned a fireplace mantle, Joni’s family decided to return it to Colorado.
Members of the Brophy family and close friends will gather on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the site of the sword’s discovery, the meadow still owned by brothers Joe and Don Brophy, to lay the sword in remembrance of joy and gratitude. donated to the museum. About their adored “Uncle Tom”. But he knew nothing of its history.
sword
The sword Tom Brophy found is the M860 US Cavalry Saber. Having been buried for almost a century, it is in dilapidated condition, with the tip broken about 13.5 inches. The maker’s mark has disappeared from the blade, but the brass handle on the pommel can still be read with his two initials for US Armory Inspector: CEW (Charles E. Wilson). [1846-1865]) and WEH (unknown [1862]). These initials appear together only once on a saber manufactured by Millard Productions in 1862. That year they manufactured 10,031 of his M1860 swords for the US Army (American Swords and Sword Makers, Richard Bezdek, Paladin Press, 1994). The M1860 Light Cavalry Saber is the most recognizable and favored sword of the Civil War. Sabers of this model were used by army dragoons, mounted riflemen and cavalry regiments.
The design of this sword is inspired by the heavy cavalry saber of 1840, but is shorter and lighter for ease of use. It is 41 inches long with a curved steel blade that is 35 inches long and 1 inch wide. It has a brass handle and a handguard that runs from the entire handle to the end of the pommel. It weighs 2 pounds 4 ounces alone, and 3 pounds 10 ounces with the iron sheath.
By 1876, the saber had fallen out of favor, as the military feared that the clatter of the sword and scabbard would detract from the element of surprise. This was especially true in frontier battles. His last M1860 US saber was issued in his 1913. Currently, police officers carry sabers only as part of their uniform.
If you want to learn more about Custer’s 1867 campaign, the museum recommends local author Matt Vincent’s Custer Chronicles. First position in a failed campaign Available for purchase at the museum gift shop.
