Tiffany & Co. British Cavalry Saber – SOLD

Description

Tiffany & Co., New York City imported a good deal of sword from abroad to sell to their clientele during the Civil War era. This British Cavalry Officer’s 1822 pattern saber is one, having a finely etched 36 inch blade with American motifs.

The iron hilt with pierced guard, has a light but nice floral etching, including some on the pommel cap.  The sharkskin grip shows some wear overall, but very good and still retains the original triple twisted grip wire strands.

The bright panels on the blade are a mix of floral design, with an American federal shield, and fancy “US” within sun rays. Lower on the same side is an etched belt that reads around the circumference, “WARRANTED TO CUT WROUGHT IRON.”   The reverse side (left) has a spread wings eagle with “E Pluribus Unum” in ribbon; closer to the ricasso is a panoply of various arms, bugle and cannon.  The Tiffany & Co. mark is etched on the ricasso.  The blade etching show some wear to the frosty etching, but would place a percentage of 80-90 of remaining finish. The tip of the blade shows dome corrosion due to moisture in the scabbard, and this may be restored.

The scabbard is free of any embellishment, and was originally polished bright.  Some patina and extremely fine pitting overall hard to detect unless under close scrutiny.  The surface has been cleaned some time past and faint signs of a polishing wheel can be seen.  Don’t want to dampen the appearance in your mind, but nothing that should bother most collectors, and this could be improved if so desired.  I had no problem with it, and would leave it be. Only a few minor dings, otherwise very good overall.

A great saber worthy of a good collection.