December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
A non-regulation Civil War officer's saber modeled on the British light cavalry saber of the 1820's, but with the later more robust blade, imported for retail sale by James Smith of New York. Sharkskin grip with triple binding wire. Pommel cast with backstrap and deep floral motifs. Branched guard. Red blade pad in place. Brass "proof" disk inset at ricasso at center of six-pointed star, a British mark often forged by German suppliers. Obverse etched with eagle atop crossed stars and stripes flag and flag with "US" in canton. Floral motifs at bottom. Reverse etched with "J.S. Smith New York" on ricasso. Entwined foliate US, stand of arms with the same two flags and eagle overhead but with US shield superimposed. CONDITION: Very good. Frosting is thin, but motifs are readily visible. Good edge and point. Smooth metal, steel grey with some dark grey spots, more on obverse than reverse. Hilt is very nice. Wrap and wire are complete. Brass has even mellow patina. Steel scabbard with steel throat and drag, floral brass middle mounts with rings.Three creases to scabbard body on obverse. Two on reverse. Medium age patina to brass. Body dark brown mixed with grey, but smooth metal. SR. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of George M. Rapport.