December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
36" gently curving blade with partial double fuller running for approximately 3/4 of the length of the blade. Right side of the blade with "Mexico 1847", left side unmarked. Spine of blade with "(Crown) / RC / (Crown) / D / S & K". One branch of guard stamped with "(Crown) / D" proof. Gilded officer's braided copper wire wrap. Plain steel scabbard with two hangers and beautifully visible weld line. Drag with a "(Crown) / D" proof and "(S) & K" with the 'S' no longer visible. This rare saber is pictured and discussed on pages 374-375 of "Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers" by Thillman, where he mentions that this sword is the only example he is aware of. While the only purchase of a cavalry officer's saber was for a Lieutenant R.L. Baker, Thillman is ambivalent on whether this is the same sword as it does not have Baker's name anywhere on it. CONDITION: The blade has been cleaned over scattered light pitting, leaving the "Mexico 1847" light but legible. Some gilding still visible in protected areas and in the "(Crown) / D" proof on guard. Guard with some nicks and scratches commensurate with use. Brass has taken on a lovely patina. Wire wrap is complete with 18 turns. Scabbard is good with scattered staining and a few extremely minor dents. This is a very rare sword that has spent time as part of the most serious collectors of U.S. swords. PROVENANCE: John Thillman Collection, Jackie Eubanks Collection, Richard Hoover collection, the Collection of George M. Rapport. EW.