November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Nice example of a Post-Revolutionary War Period American Light Horse style lion pommel cavalry saber. Unlike other examples which feature cast brass hilts, this saber features an iron hilt with very nice grooved wood grip which is wrapped with sharkskin and double twisted wire that fits neatly into the channels. The lion head secures the grip which morphs into an iron backstrap and meets a thick lower ferrule. Although not as pronounced as other examples, the lion head is nicely detailed, with triangular teeth, pronounced nose, football shaped eyes, and line engraved mane which flows downward towards the backstrap. There are 4 neatly executed open slot decorations on the crossguard as well as 2 open tombstone cutouts on the knucklebow. The blade features a slight curve with a single wide fuller which are typical of the German style blades that were imported and paired with these lion head hilts. Excellent decorations adorn the blade for almost half of its length. The decorations feature neatly engraved scrollwork with an eye-catching spread winged federal eagle with patriotic shield protecting its breast and 13 6-pointed stars between its wings under radiating sun rays. The blade inscription reads "AMERICAN LIGHT HORSE" which is commonly encountered on these lion head swords. A nicely decorated vignette is engraved just above the ricasso which is a signature of Wilhelm Tesche. The spine is correctly marked "WILHELM TESCHE PETERS SOM IN SOLINGEN FECIT". The blade exhibits a gray patina with great, crisp engravings which remain unmolested. There is freckling throughout its length with light edge wear. The wear on the blade does not detract from the inscriptions. The hilt exhibits a pleasant dark patina with marks from handling and age. Hilt remains firmly mounted to the blade. A very nice saber. Overall good.