English Import 1796 Cavalry Officers Style Saber with Blue & Gilt Blade & Checkered Grip For the American Market

War of 1812 to Seminole Wars

30.75" curved single edged blade, 1.3" wide at ricasso. 35.5" in overall length with a 4.875" hilt. Hilt with silvered brass reverse-P knuckle bow mounted with langets on either side of the guard and a forward swept disc shaped upper qillon. Grip of checkered ivory. Spine of blade stamped with a script maker's mark that reads JS&Co for John Salter & Co. Blade decorated with 14.75" of blue that terminates in flowing foliate patterns, with gilt highlighted engraved floral and martial themes. The inclusion of Liberty Caps in both of the panoplies of arms on the obverse of the blade, along with stars on the shield implying the "Shield of Columbia" strongly suggest that the sword was made for the American market. The sword is accompanied by a brass mounted leather scabbard that is about .5" short of allowing the sword to seat fully. John Salter and his brother George were the sons of William Salter, who had established a spring business with his brother Richard in the 1760s. John & George took over after Richard's death in the 1790s and added edged weapons to the product line. In 1824 John died, and George took over the business which was renamed George Salter & Co. The "JS&Co" marking indicates that the sword dates from circa 1790s-1824.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.