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Ornate Non-Regulation Cavalry Officer Saber & Scabbard by James S. Smith
Guns International #: 102250841 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Collectibles - Civil War - Edged Weapons Pre 1900
Seller's Information
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Seller: Bobinwmass
Member Since: 2/19/23
State: Massachusetts
Country: United States
Number of Active Listings: 22
Total Number of Listings: 57
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Shipping to the lower 48 contiguous states. Shipping price for specific item included in item description. Three day inspection and return policy on all items.
Payment Types Accepted: Check or Money Order, Paypal (plus 3% fee) for non-firearm related items, layaways considered..
About Us: Recently retired, starting to sell off my militaria collection of 30 years. New to this site, but have sold on other sites for years with 100% positive feedback under same user ID.
Description:
In his books on Civil War swords, Thillmann does not list Smith as a maker or retailer of swords, so he shows no examples. James S. Smith came to New York from England in the 1830's. He made and imported metal items such as insignia, coins, medals, badges, police ornaments, pew plates, and door numbers and letters. By 1846 he had a contract with the U.S. for dragoon cap plates, artillery cross cannon insignia, and infantry bugle insignia. He also supplied military insignia to the various states, including belt plates to some of the southern states, prior to the Civil War. In 1862 he patented his brass trimmed officer shoulder straps. I think that this sword was made prior to the Civil War, perhaps as early as the Mexican War, as it is a rather massive and heavy item showing the influences of the Model 1833 Dragoon saber and pre-Civil War British sabers. I suspect that Smith, being a brass worker and importer, assembled the sword from parts imported from England. The large 35.5-inch blade is in the style of the British Model 1845 Cavalry saber, though with American patriotic etching. The beautiful ornate brass backstrap and multi-branched brass guard are parts typically found on earlier British officer swords. The blade etching on this unique sword remains strong and beautiful and includes American flags, Federal eagles, military trophies, and a large script "US". The scabbard retains both fancy cast brass ring mounts and the saber slides all the way into the scabbard with a nice fit. During the Civil War, newspaper ads for Smith indicated that he had all types of military goods and swords for sale. But in all my years of collecting, this is the only sword I have seen that is marked as being retailed by James S. Smith of New York. The well-known sword dealer I bought this from believes that the sword has never been taken apart, based upon the decoration/engraving that remains on the pommel cap and tang. I'm not sure but think it may be possible that the sharkskin grip has been rewrapped, as it looks to be in excellent condition for a sword this old, there is just the slightest play between the hilt and blade, and the blade washer appears to be a replacement. Either way, this remains a rare and beautiful sword that would stand out in any collection. Please take a look at all the photos as they provide the best description of condition. Shipping to the lower 48 contiguous states. Shipping cost $49.00 towards Priority Mail insured. Three day return privilege, buyer pays return postage. If you buy multiple items I will combine to save you money on shipping.
Price: $1,550.00