August 18 & 19, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
Lot #1122:
SCHNITZLER AND KIRSCHBAUM MANUFACTURED 1840 CAVALRY OFFICER'S LIGHT CAVALRY SABER, PICTURED ON PAGE 374 OF THILLMAN'S BOOK ON CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY SABERS.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/18/2020
36" gently curving blade with partial double fuller running for approximately 3/4 of the length of the blade. Right side of the blade with "Mexico 1847", left side unmarked. Spine of blade with "(Crown) / RC / (Crown) / D / S & K". One branch of guard stamped with "(Crown) / D" proof. Gilded officer's braided copper wire wrap. Plain steel scabbard with 2 hangers and beautifully visible weld line. Drag with a "(Crown) / D" proof and "(S) & K" with the 'S' no longer visible. This rare saber is pictured and discussed on pages 374-375 of "Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers" by Thillman, where he mentions that this sword is the only example he is aware of. While the only purchase of a cavalry officer's saber was for a Lieutenant R.L. Baker, Thillman is ambivalent on whether this is the same sword as it does not have Baker's name anywhere on it. CONDITION: The blade has been cleaned over scattered light pitting, leaving the "Mexico 1847" light but legible. Some gilding still visible in protected areas and in the "(Crown) / D" proof on guard. Guard with some nicks and scratches commensurate with use. Brass has taken on a lovely patina. Wire wrap is complete with 18 turns. Scabbard is good with scattered staining and a few extremely minor dents. This is a very rare sword that has spent time as part of the most serious collectors of U.S. swords. PROVENANCE: John Thillman Collection, Jackie Eubanks Collection, Richard Hoover collection, the Collection of George M. Rapport. EW
Item Dimensions: Length: 41 - 1/4".