Model 1812 Nathan Starr Cavalry saber. The prolific sword maker in the United States at this time was Nathan Starr of Connecticut. On March 14, 1812 Starr signed a contract for 5000 horseman's swords with leather scabbards. In November 1812, after completing 1000 sabers a design change was implemented. The major changes were a sharper curve of the blade, a more pronounced angle of the hilt and an increase of 1/2 inch in the distance between the knuckle bow and the grip where the bow makes the right angle turn towards the blade. The scabbard was also changed from leather to iron, japanned black with two mounts and carrying rings. This saber is one of those. The overall length of the saber is 38 3/4" with a blade length of 33 3/4" and width of 1 3/8" at the hilt. The blade has a three line stamping consisting of P/HHP/NSTARR. The inspector of the majority of the design changed swords was Henry H Perkin. There is also a P stamped into the knuckle bow. The sweeping curve of the blade culminates in a very pronounced clip point. The blade has some light pitting with no knicks on the edge. The wood grips are smooth with only a small portion of the wrap remaining under the iron hilt. There is a 1 1/4" crack in the grips on the bottom at the ferrule. The hilt is very tight with no movement at all. The iron scabbard retains 75% of the japanned look. There are several dents on both sides of the scabbard, visible in the photos. Both rings and mounts are present and show moderate wear. An example of this saber is listed in Peterson's book "The American Sword, 1775 - 1945, item 29. This is a great representative Cavalry saber from the War of 1812! If that era is what you collect, you better not miss this one!

Item # AA495

(Sold)