This battle weapon is an officer’s, original, non-regulation cavalry saber manufactured by the firm of Gerbruder Weyersberg of Solingen, Prussia (now Germany) and assembled by William H. Horstmann and Sons. Horstmann, a well-known sword retailer and importer in Philadelphia, contracted with the Prussian firm for high quality blades, which Horstmann imported and assembled with grips and then applied his blade address on the ricasso.

This handsome, slightly curved, high quality steel blade follows the Model 1840 pattern and measures 32½” long, has a width of 1 1/8” with a 24” long stopped fuller and 15” narrow fuller. Blade back exhibits an ornately etched design that runs for almost 15” on the ridge. Both blade flats exhibit beautifully acid-etched decorations with exquisite detail still evident on the metal. At the blade’s obverse ricasso is the Weyersberg famous King’s Head mark, above which is seen the etched retailer’s name that reads “W. H. HORSTMANN / & SONS / PHILADELPHIA” in a three line layout. Above the maker’s mark is a delicate foliate design that incorporates a military motif of flags, lances, drums and a shield device. The blade reverse ricasso is unmarked but above the ricasso is exhibited the same military motif design as the obverse. The light gray blade retains very fine, exquisite detail in its etching and still exhibits a stunning luster and sheen to the metal overall. Very lightly cleaned some time ago, the steel blade bears very tiny scattered pinprick pitting marks overall. Blade edge does appear to have been sharpened lightly in its’ past.

The ornate, decorative cast brass hilt is in wonderful condition and displays the symmetrical two-branch guard integrated into the knucklebow. Quillon face shows a series of cast sunrays bursting from the center point while the quillon reverse side exhibits a fine cast spread eagle ringed with five point stars at the base. Retains its original cloth pad or washer. Brass pommel exhibits a cast oak leaf design along it edge and has a single-domed ornate cap. Grips are in excellent condition and feature a dark sharkskin-covered, center-swell wooden handle secured with fine double-twisted copper wire wound around the handle. Brass is tight and strong.

The steel scabbard is the original imported article and is in excellent condition. The unadorned steel scabbard, which is strong and tight, has a smooth hard surface that bears a bright nickel plating. Some dark spots of oxidation with scattered pinprick pitting are evident especially near the throat collar. Scabbard has both ring mounts and the mounts are tight and each secures a 1” diameter sword ring.

This non-regulation, cavalry officer’s edged weapon is an outstanding, Horstmann-marked piece imported from the well-known Prussian firm of Gebruder Weyersberg.

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