LIGHT CAVALRY SABRE – VERY NICE BLADE AND SCABBARD
– GOOD VALUE:
We often forget that the 19TH
Century soldier’s equipment, particularly those items
issued to the cavalry, was subjected to extremely hard
use and wear which resulted in a very limited service
life before the equipment had to be replaced or returned
to the Ordnance Department arsenals or depots for
refurbishing. For example, during the Civil and Indian
Wars the army’s expectation of a sabre’s service life in
the field was limited to six months before the sabre
would have to be refurbished, which could include
polishing, straightening, and smoothing the edge of the
blade, straightening or replacing the scabbard,
rewrapping the grip, and restoring the brass guard to
its original shape.
This sabre was subjected to at least one of these
refurbishing efforts, evidenced by the polishing at the
ricasso which removed the maker’s name and date of
manufacture, however the “U” of the US stamp still
remains. The blade is full form, the metal surface is
overall bright, and the ricasso cross polishing is still
present. There is no severe pitting on the blade, only
the scattered darkened speckling and light frosting of
the metal that one expects to see on these early, well
used blades as the steel ages. The edge is clean with
no dents or nicks.
The brass guard has a soft patina, is full form and is
not misshapen due to wear or use, and the leather washer
is present on the face of the guard. The grip leather
is original and overall smooth without flaking and the
original wire wrapping is present, tight, and complete.
The pommel cap is stamped twice with the numeral “16”,
likely a unit applied inventory number, and the face of
the guard has a hand applied Roman numeral, probably
executed by the soldier to further identify his sabre.
The scabbard is very nice, retaining its full form
without any dents, is complete with the throat and
carrying rings, and a full form drag. The steel has a
beautiful finish, now turned to a plum blue. The metal
is overall smooth and bright with only minimal pitting
at the lower end, concentrated around the drag.
This is an excellent example of a Light Cavalry Sabre,
in a condition far above the norm one encounters on the
market today. The evidence of arsenal refurbishing
attests to this sabre’s service during the Civil War and
probably onto the western frontier during the Indian
Wars. This sabre will impart a sense of pride in
ownership through the years, and it will be a solid
addition to your collection.
SOLD
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