LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 December Civil War Auction #674  / 

72272

INSCRIBED CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:9,750.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
INSCRIBED CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER
<B>M1840 CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER INSCRIBED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL J. HOWARD KITCHING MORTALLY WOUNDED AT THE BATTLE OF CEDAR CREEK.</B></I> With an unusual blade etch incorporating the new York State Seal. At the beginning of the Civil War John Howard Kitching enlisted as a private in the Lincoln Cavalry. Shortly thereafter he was commissioned a captain in the 2d New York Artillery and participated in all the battles of the Peninsula campaign. In September 1862 he was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the 135th New York Infantry which on October 3, 1862 was designated the 6th New York Heavy Artillery, which he ascended to command of in April of 1863. Subsequently Kitching was almost constantly in command of a brigade and was finally brevetted brigadier general of volunteers on 1 August 1864. Kitching then took command of a provisional brigade in the Army of the Shenandoah and was mortally wounded at the head of his brigade at cedar creek, October 19, 1864. He died on January 11, 1865 in Dobb’s Ferry New York, as a result of those wounds. He was 25 years old. The sword is in wonderful untouched condition. The brass hilt is decorated with floral and scroll motifs at the base of the base of the branches of the guard, at the point where the knuckle bow joins the pommel, in the face of the pommel cap and on the quillon. The leather grip is wrapped with triple strand brass wire. It retains the original bullion sword knot and leather washer. The inscription, “J. Howard Kitching” is executed on the top of the inboard side of the counter guard. The 33” blade by Kirschbaum of Solingen exhibits a very unusual and beautifully executed blade etch. The obverse has a 10” panel with a gold washed Damascus background, displaying scroll motifs on the ends and a spread wing eagle with riband and motto in the center. The reverse uses an identical panel but the central theme is the seal of the State of New York with “Excelsior” riband. Very unusual and rarely encountered. All etching is highlighted with profuse hand engraved details. The steel scabbard has a brass throat and brass mounts with scalloped edges, chaised with floral motifs. The grag is notched and scalloped. A very nice cavalry officer’s saber exhibiting a rare and unusual blade etch inscribed to a gallant young ‘fighting’ general with a superb history.<BR><BR><B>CONDITION:</B></I> All brass with dark untouched patina. The leather grip and wire wrap are perfect. Bullion knot intact and excellent. Steel scabbard with light pitting on the obverse, retaining some of the original lacquer brown finish on the reverse. The blade is gorgeous retaining 95% of the original bright mint luster and the gold wash on the Damascus textured panels.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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