December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
This rare First Model Virginia Contract saber is patterned after the US Model 1798 cavalry saber. This sword is one of only 1,000 probably made by John Miles, Sr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1801, Miles purchased the Old Globe Mill from Robert McCormick. He sent two examples of the cavalry sabers to the Virginia Manufactory in 1801, prompting the State of Virginia to order 1,000 cavalry sabers with hussar hilts, delivered to John Shee at the Virginia Manufactory. Some of these swords went on to be used by the Confederacy during the Civil War and had their leather scabbards replaced with steel scabbards. In 1811, John Miles became the clerk at the US Arsenal in Philadelphia. For more information, see pages 42-43 of "Swords and Sword Makers of The War of 1812" by Richard H. Bezdek. Features include a slightly curved steel blade with single fuller on each side. The right side of the ricasso is stamped "1 REGT, VIRGA, / CAVALRY / DI-----IE (DINWIDDIE)". Heavy iron stirrup-Hussar hilt and wood. CONDITION: Blade retains a grey patina with scattered areas of darker grey patina and a few nicks to cutting edge. Markings show some wear, but are clearly visible. Grip shows age crack, scuffing and marks from use. A very rare and desirable historic Virginia sword, used in the War of 1812, and most likely again by the Confederates during the Civil War. DMG. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of George M. Rapport.