December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
The 1840 artillery officer's saber was regulation both for artillery officers and mounted officers of infantry, making it appropriate also for infantry field and staff officers. This is a nice example by Horstmann. Heavy pommel cap with notched edge to top. Heavily cast knuckleguard with floral motifs and central four-leaf petal on either side. Obverse etched with firm name at bottom, "Wm. Horstman & Sons Philadelphia." Etched panel shows light frosting but very visible floral elements and trophies of arms. Back of blade etched "Iron Proof" and extended flowering vine. Reverse with geometric and floral motifs, and trophies of arms with a US shield in the lower panoply. Etched panels end in flowering points on both sides. Plain iron scabbard. Throat secured with screws at either edge. CONDITION: Very good. Hilt has medium patina to brass. Cast pebbled grip is good, but one abraded spot at bottom center affecting two ridges. Blade is bright and etching vivid though frosting is thin. Three or four tiny brown spots at bottom reverse near ricasso. Scabbard smooth metal, bright mixed with dark grey spots. Drag, rings, and throat in place. An interesting example of a scarce sword. SR. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of George M. Rapport.