December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2021
Classic example of a Louis Haiman & Brothers cavalry saber. Patterned after the U.S. Model 1840 Cavalry Saber, the Haiman Brothers' version did not quite meet the quality standards of its pre-War counterpart. These sabers were known to have casting flaws on the ricasso near the tang, the grips were wrapped with black painted oil cloth instead of the superior leather, and a single strand of iron wire was wrapped around the grips instead of brass which are found on northern counterparts. Like most existing examples of these sabers, this example is unmarked. The unadorned blade is met by a heavy brass guard. The grip features a grooved, center-swelled wooden handle wrapped in black painted oil cloth. The cloth is secured to the grip with brass wire that fits neatly in the grooves of the handle. The handle is followed by a domed pommel. The saber is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard correctly features and iron drag, throat, and rings which are secured to the scabbard by brass mounts. The expected crude seam is present running the length of the scabbard. CONDITION: Surprisingly, the blade does not exhibit significant forging flaws, which are commonly encountered on these sabers. However the blade does exhibit a pleasant dark gray patina with pitting throughout. There are several chips along the edge. The crude guard exhibits marks from use. The grip exhibits loss of the oil cloth covering and the wood is exposed, especially at the top. The iron wire has loosened over time. This is a fine example of a rare Confederate Haiman & Brothers cavalry saber complete with its original scabbard. Overall good. JLD