Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great Seminole Wars period Contract Model 1818 Cavalry Saber with its complete 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.

Nathan Starr contracted with the U.S. government for 10,000 cavalry sabers in December 1818, and delivered them in batches from 1820 to 1822. This is a worn but good example of the pattern, using an iron hilt and fitted with a gently curving single edged blade with a wider fuller than on Starr’s other government work, and clip point with rudimentary false edge. Most were inspected by Luther Sage. It has a slot near the pommel for a sword knot or leather grip strap.

This example shows moderate service use which has resulted in some loss to the leather-covered grip. 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 on the left side:

US
P
LS
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, and L.S. indicates inspection by Luther Sage. There is unfortunately no way to accurately date the sword, as the contract was not delivered in full until 1822, and no records were kept regarding when each inspector was working.

The blade is still mostly sharp, and exhibits staining and some heavy past pitting which has been cleaned away, as expected for a sword of this age. There are some runner marks and minor nicks in the edge of the blade. 

The original scabbard is in great complete condition with both suspension rings retained. The paint is roughly 80% retained, and there is heavy denting in the scabbard, and there is some tearing in the metal at the throat, so it is a bit difficult to place it back in. The iconic sound of a Starr Saber unsheathing is still evident here. 

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 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 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 39“
Guard dimensions: 5 3/4" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 34 ⅞”