Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice War of 1812 period Contract Model 1812 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saber is a no-nonsense enlisted man’s edged weapon and one of such pieces made under the Starr contract, which was superseded by his later contract from 1813. 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 ribbed wooden grip. The original binding is missing, and there are only small pieces of the original leather wrapping present, which are dried out and delicate. The leather blade buffer is present, but quite hard to the touch. This is mated to a 33 ½” long curved unfullered 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
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, as the contract was not delivered in full until 1817, and no records were kept of when each inspector was working.

The blade definitely looks to have seen long service, and exhibits an dark gray oxidized patina overall. The edge definitely shows a couple nicks and dents from use, but it’s in great shape overall with the leather washer still intact! This is one of the nicer ones we have seen. 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 a bend that has resulted in small breaks in the metal on both sides roughly 13 inches from the bottom. 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 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”