Early 1872 Pattern Schuyler Hartley & Graham U.S. Cavalry Officer’s Saber

Description

Early 1872 Pattern Schuyler Hartley & Graham U.S. Cavalry Officer’s Saber.

This is an early  pattern 1872 cavalry (or mounted) officer’s saber, this one sold through and marked “SCHUYLER HARTLEY & GRAHAM, NEW YORK.” It has a 7/8 inch blade, 33′ inches long, with a finely etched blade using mostly floral patterns, one panoply of arms,  “US” on the left side, and a federal eagle on the other.  The retailer’s name is etched on the left side of the blade above the ricasso. The blade has a few small areas of wear long the upper blade edge, but overall in fine-exc condition,

The hilt has a two branch guard decorated with acanthus leaf on both sides. The underside of the guard is a full burst of rays, and the upper is similar with stars superimposed over the rays, and perched federal eagle gripping olive branch and arrows. Acanthus leaf decoration continues on the pommel and pommel cap, and upper guard ending in a scroll effect. The gilt brass twisted wire grip wrap is tight over original blackened sharkskin grip. Approximately 90% plus of the gilt remains. The leather washer is present.

The scabbard is nickeled and retains about 90+ percent of the original finish.  Decorated acanthus leaf ring mounts and a plain gilt upper throat, and sunburst decorated drag.  The retaining screw for the drag is missing.

In the later 1870s and through to the end of the run for the 1872 saber, the blades get much thinner, having that “for dress purposes only” look. These earlier style, although seldom carried into the field, has a look equal to field service like their predecessors.

Very hard to find these early sabers in this condition.  A great “Custer Era” cavalry saber!