November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Nice example of a Post-Revolutionary War Period American Light Horse lion pommel cavalry saber. This type of sword features a lion head pommel and grip which were cast in 2 pieces, lengthwise, and brazed together. The brass guard is a separate piece and features neatly cast open slot designs. The lion head is nicely finished but rather crude in design, featuring a lightly detailed mane, flat nose, and star shaped ears. The blade features a slight curve with a single wide fuller which is typical of the German style blades that were imported and paired with these cast lion head hilts. Excellent decorations adorn the blade for almost half of its length. The decorations feature neatly engraved scrollwork with an eye-catching spread winged federal eagle with patriotic shield protecting its breast and 13 6-pointed stars between its wings under radiating sun rays. The blade inscription reads "AMERICAN LIGHT HORSE" which is commonly encountered on these lion head swords. A nicely decorated vignette is engraved just above the ricasso which is a signature of Wilhelm Tesche. The spine is correctly marked "WILHELM TESCHE PETERS SOM IN SOLINGEN FECIT". The sword is accompanied by its partial leather scabbard which features a massive brass upper mount complete with stud. The scabbard is otherwise unadorned and is missing the drag. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a gray patina with great crisp engravings which appear to have never been rubbed. There is freckling throughout its length with a few nicks in the edge. The wear on the blade does not detract from the inscriptions. The hilt exhibits a pleasant dark patina with marks from handling and age. The 2 bridges between the open slot designs on either side of the crossguard are cracked. Hilt remains firmly mounted to the blade. The scabbard exhibits creasing, cracking, and areas of loss throughout its length which are typical of these old scabbards. Tight seam despite missing drag and mount remains secured to the scabbard body. Overall good.