The leading sword maker in America from 1798 to 1830 was Connecticut’s own Nathan Starr of Middletown and his firm produced the military edged weapon presented here. This hefty cavalry saber is a no-nonsense enlisted man’s edged weapon and one of over 10,000 such pieces made under the Starr contract of 1812-1813.

Saber follows a modified design criterion specified on January 11, 1813 that incorporated a sharper curve to the blade, a pronounced angle to the hilt and a wider opening between grips and knucklebow. Knucklebow exhibits the reverse-P pattern and is pierced near the pommel for a sword knot. Saber specimen features a hefty iron hilt matched to a 34” long, curved, single-edged, and a non-fullered steel blade with a pronounced clipped point. The pleasing, robust blade measures almost 2” wide with a ¼” thick back and is unadulterated by any etchings or engravings save the maker’s stamp on the obverse ricasso. Stamping reads “P (proved) / LS / N.STARR / US” in sharp, crisp marks. Blade, still sharp and strong, exhibits areas of light to moderate rust pockmarking near the blade point. Blade appears to have been cleaned and sharpened at one time. Visible on the blade reverse flat 5” from the hilt is a very minor casting flaw. Blade specimen has acquired scattered areas of light and dark oxidation.

Grips are wood, ribbed and shaped to fit the hand and wear a black leather wrap that is original and shows wear and much use. Iron metal scabbard is strong and tight with no cracks or seam breaks. Retains its original two carry rings for suspension and drag. Body surface appears to have been cleaned and repainted black. All surface has scattered light rust pitting. This American-made, iron-hilted, enlisted horseman’s saber is a fine specimen of early Americana edged weaponry and a great collectible.

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