Original U.S. War of 1812 Contract Model 1812/1813 Cavalry Saber by Nathan Starr with Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice War of 1812 period Contract Model 1812/1813 Cavalry Saber with scabbard, made by Nathan Starr of Middletown, Connecticut. Starr was the leading sword maker in America from 1798 to 1830, and his firm produced a variety of military edged weapons, which followed the evolution of early U.S. cavalry Sabers. As changes were requested over the period, new models were made, and new contracts issued to Starr, who remained the choice manufacturer up until the Model 1826 Naval cutlass.

This hefty cavalry saber is a no-nonsense enlisted man’s edged weapon and one of such pieces made under the Starr contract, which was superseded by his later contract. The Saber follows a modified design criterion that incorporated a slight curve to the blade, a pronounced angle to the hilt and a wider opening between grips and hand guard, which exhibits the reverse-P pattern. It has a slot near the pommel for a sword knot or leather grip strap.

This well patinated example features a hefty iron hilt, with a good condition original leather-covered ribbed wooden grip. The leather is in great order, one of the nicer Starr grips we have seen. The leather blade buffer is gone, often lost on these early Starrs. This is mated to a 33 ½” long curved un-fullered single-edged blade. The blade is curved right out of the hilt, so it has a pronounced forward bow, and the tip has a very pronounced clip point. The blade is about 1 3/8" wide, getting slightly wider at the transition to the point.

The base of the blade still retains its crisp maker and inspection markings:

P
HHP

And on the reverse:

N. STARR

This indicates that it was proved "P" by inspector Henry H. Perkin, a known inspector of these swords during the contract production run. There is unfortunately no way to accurately date the sword, but it likely saw service in the war.

The blade definitely looks to have seen long service, and exhibits a dark gray heavily oxidized patina overall. The edge definitely shows a couple nicks and dents from use, with heavy oxidation from decades of use! Overall it has a great look of a service used blade that is over 200 years in age. The matching scabbard is in similar condition, showing staining and oxidation. The scabbard has kept its shape very well without much damage. But this doesn’t show any signs of breaking completely. The original hanger loops are still present, as is the throat, with both original screws present.

The hilt is in fantastic shape with the leather still completely retained around the grip. This was likely arsenal refinished at some point after its initial use, likely the 1820s or 1830s. These swords create one of the most satisfying sounds when unsheathed from the scabbard, once you try it, you won’t be able to stop!

These swords saw much use in U.S. conflicts in the first half of the 19th century, and many were even used during the Civil war. A great patinated example of an early American sword pattern, by the pre-eminent maker of that period. If you are a collector of Early Americana, this is for you!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 33 ½"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 39“
Guard dimensions: 5 3/4" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 35”