1442

Civil War Cavalry Officer's Saber with Gilded Blade

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Civil War Cavalry Officer's Saber with Gilded Blade
Civil War Cavalry Officer's saber with 1840-1860 style transition blade. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the Solingen Weyersberg "king's head" proofmark and the obverse is etched: "HORSTMANN/&SONS/PHILADELPHIA". The 34 1/2-inch blade has a flat back with single stopped fuller. Both sides of the blade have a 15-inch gilded panel. The obverse panel is acid-etched with a highly detailed stand of arms, an eagle and shield and a stand of trophies with fine dry-etch engraving. The reverse has an intertwined "U.S." flanked by stands of arms and stands of colors. The back of the blade is etched with "IRON PROOF" and foliate designs. The gold-plated brass hilt has a Phrygian helmet pommel, two branch guard and grooved ebony grip with twisted wire wrap. The guard, pommel and counterguard have cast, regulation Model 1840 pattern acanthus leaf decorations. The 1860 pattern scabbard has a nickel-plated body with gold-plated, pierced, relief, drag and suspension bands. The drag is decorated by a grotesque mask and the lower suspension band has a relief image of a cavalryman with drawn saber. The saber appears to be a modern assembly using original parts.
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Very fine as assembled (see above). The blade is bright and retains at least 90% of the gilt finish on the etched panel. The highly detailed engraving is crisp. The guard and pommel have nearly all of the gold plated finish. The twisted wire wrapping on the grip is loose. The scabbard is free from dents and retains at last 95% of the gold and nickel-plated finish. This is a high-quality, presentation grade, Solingen, cavalry officer's sword in very fine condition.