This is one of the rarest of the post-1812 War cavalry swords. The Federal army was microscopic at this time, perhaps only 30,000 strong, the numbers only gearing up for the Mexican War of 1848. The design is a direct copy of the British light cavalry sabre of the same era.
The blade is etched on one side with the US insignia and on the other with 'E pluribus unum' above the eagle. I suspect that it is a German import and certainly the engraving would indicate that - the eagle has a definite Tyrolean aspect! I think this is the last 19th-century example of a US cavalry officer's sabre with an iron hilt; after this they were always in brass.
The hilt and scabbard are of iron. The grip is fish skin wrapped around a wood core, with a copper wire binding (all intact!). There is some minor patination to both hilt and scabbard. It has been carefully cleaned overall, by hand. The blade measures just under 32" long and has minor dark patina spots scattered throughout.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Swords : American : 19th Century]
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