Original U.S. Indian Wars M1872 Cavalry Officer’s Saber with Scabbard & Etched Blade by Raymond & Whitlock of New York - Missing Drag

Original Item: Only One Available. The U.S. Model of 1872 Light Cavalry Saber was the second in the series of light cavalry sabers used by the United States. The design was used in the U.S. from about 1872, through the Indian Wars and skirmishes of the 1870's, 1880's and 1890's.

This sword, unlike its predecessor, the Model 1860 Light Cavalry, was considered a minor improvement, although many were still not satisfied. The weight of the sword was less when compared to the Model of 1840 (Wristbreaker) and Model of 1860 (aka New Model). This sword was plagued with many manufacturing defects and ultimately led to the creation of a replacement, the Model of 1904. The noticeable difference is a smaller, sleek-appearing blade (almost fragile in appearance). The hilt appears to be a cross between the 1840 and 1860.

This 36 ¼ inch long example is good with some heavy wear and the expected patina of age. The curved 30 ¼ inch nickel-plated blade is in good condition, and has lovely etched designs on both sides, showing standard foliate and military motifs. One side has a set of initials, W.F.B., while the other side has U. S. marked, both in lovely Gothic script. The edge has not been sharpened, correct for a dress sword, though there is a bit of denting. The plating is well retained, showing some minor flaking and oxidation to the steel base metal. The blade is marked on the ricasso with the maker / distributer:

RAYMOND &
WHITLOCK
NEW YORK

The grip is solid on the full length tang, and the guard is still mostly tight with a tiny bit of play, even with the leather blade buffer still intact. The grip still has most of the shark skin wrapping intact, with the original twisted brass wires resting in the grooves of the grip, with some heavy wear overall. The brass hilt is still in nice shape, though it does show some denting and deformation. It is a typical cast example, with a very decorative pommel and guard. There is some white residue across the hilt and grip. Interestingly, there is a very small remnant of a sword knot that was one attached to this sword still wrapped around the guard.

The scabbard is in fair shape, though it is missing the drag at the end, and definitely has some dents and "dog leg" type bends, though none that interfere with sheathing the blade. There is heavy oxidation to the surface as shown, but both suspension rings are intact.

Overall a great chance to pick up a typical late 19th century U.S. Light Cavalry Saber with a lovely etched blade. Complete with scabbard, just missing the drag, this is ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade length: 30 1/4”
Overall length: 36 1/4”
Guard dimensions: 4" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 31 1/8”