July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2022
Nice example of a Civil War Era M1840 Officer's Saber. Despite being outdated by the time of the Civil War, these swords were still made in small supplies right before and during the war. These swords are an especially scarce model considering the regulations of 1851 called for artillery officers to carry the M1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword. The saber features a curved blade with deep single fuller. The blade is decorated with sharp etchings of patriotic and floral motifs. The etched decorations include floral scrolls and panoplies of arms ending with geometric designs just above the ricasso. The blade features great maker markings, as the blade is etched WH / HORSTMANN / & SONS / PHILADELPHIA" just above the ricasso on the obverse side, as well as "HORSTMANN / & SONS" on the reverse ricasso and "PHILADELPHIA" on the obverse ricasso. An etched foliate vine travels about half the length of the spine. The hilt is one piece and is constructed of cast brass. The crossguard and knucklebow are decorated with floral designs, with the pommel and quillon resembling a flower. The grip is painted black and beaded, simulating a leather wrap or sharkskin. Complete with its iron scabbard which features two carry rings and a pronounced drag. CONDITION: The blade remains bright with nearly unmolested etchings. Scattered blemishes are noticed, but the blade presents as well as it did when it was carried. Maker markings remains crisp. The hilt exhibits a mellow patina with areas of loss to the black painted grip. The iron scabbard exhibits a chocolate patina with scattered areas of pitting and dark spots. Throat and carry rings remain secure. Fine example of a rarer sword. Overall very good. PROVENANCE: Roger Bender Collection. JLD