This sword is similar to the British Pattern 1822 Light cavalry saber. The maker's mark on the ricasso reverse reads W.WALSCHEID SOLINGEN in two lines. On the ricasso obverse is inset a brass disk marked PROVED with a cross in the center. Very little is known about the Walscheid firm. It does not appear that they produced anything other than the Model 1840 heavy cavalry saber, both officer and enlisted versions, and the steel hilt British officer's pattern 1822 light cavalry saber. It seems that none of their products were imported to England under contract and were only in business long enough to produce sabers during the Civil War. There is no documentation to show that any of their sabers were imported to the Confederacy or solely to the Union. The blade measures 32 1/2" in length with a slight curve, while the overall length of the saber is 37 1/2". The false edge measures from the ricasso 20 1/4". There are no floral designs or etchings on the blade at all. The spine of the blade is 1/4" at the hilt, and tapers to a spear point. It has taken on a blackish patina. Approximately half way down the blade there is a slight "wave", like the blade had been slightly twisted at some point. There are no nicks or damage to the edge of the blade, but the leather washer is missing. The steel hilt is just slightly lighter than the blade in appearance, having a gray patina. The three branch guard has no elaborate designs or markings of any kind. The knuckle bow has been provisioned for a sword knot, as this was an officers saber. The backstrap and pommel cap are of a one piece design. The wooden grips are covered in shark skin and are still tight to the grips. The wire wrap is missing from the grips. Overall this is a good condition saber from a rare maker that saw service during the Civil War. There is no scabbard to go with this one

Item # AA747

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