December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
US regulation 1833 pattern dragoon saber with dry point etched "Texas Dragoons" blade and correct "WS" inspector's mark. Standard 1833 dragoon configuration with brass hilt and coiled-wire bound leather grip. Quill backed blade. Browned iron scabbard. In 1840 Texas contracted with Ames for 18 officer's and 280 enlisted sabers. Enlisted patterns were drypoint etched "Texas Dragoons" over a leafy vine, marked by Ames and inspected William Smith. See Thillmann, "Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers", page 64ff for details and photo of the blade etching. See also, Hartzler, "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords", v.2 page 746 for blade etching. CONDITION: Hilt is good. Coiled brass wire binding is in place. Leather wrap is good with good color and finish. Quillon shows "WS" inspector initials. Brass has dark, age patina. Blade pad in place. Blade is a mix of bright and grey with scattered dark grey spots. Good edge and point. Texas marking and foliate decoration is light, but very visible. Ames marking on obverse is very light and only partially visible with a strong raking light. These sabers were heavily used throughout the War with Mexico and in Confederate hands during the Civil War. This is a rare survivor. Scabbard is crusty brown. Solid, with rings, drag and throat in place. A regulation sword that would look good in an early cavalry or Indian War display. SR. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of George M. Rapport.