Presented is a highly sought specimen of a Confederate cavalry saber, completely unmarked and in its original all-brass scabbard. Of the type carried by southern cavaliers during the War Between the States, this scarce original saber was well used by a rebel cavalry officer.

In very good plus condition, this original ‘Thomas, Griswold & Co.’ blade, though completely unmarked, is seldom encountered in the collecting community. Produced in New Orleans, Louisiana during the Civil War time frame, it is copied from the Federal Model 1840 heavy cavalry saber. The unmarked, distinctly curved steel blade measures 35” long, has a flat back, 1¼” blade width, and an 8” false edge with a ‘hatchet’ style point. Blade exhibits a single, large, stopped fuller with no narrow fuller. No markings on ricassos. Blade does exhibit six small edge nicks 20” down from the point where some old traces of filing shows someone attempted to file out the nicks. Remainder of blade appears to never have been sharpened as many rebel blades were. Wears normal salt and pepper light rust pitting with a medium-gray patina overall. Both blade flats show crude casting imperfections inherent in edged weapons of many Southern manufacturers.

The overall length of the weapon is 41¼” and when housed in its scabbard measures 42 ¾” long total. The well-used leather grips are in very good original condition and exhibit a tapered, cone-type, grooved wooden handle base that is still wrapped tightly in original, black-leather. Leather has a bottom seam and shows normal scuffing at the high points and also some scattered light wear-thru. Small section of the wood handle is exposed under pommel forward edge from a 1” x ¾” area of missing leather. Else fine. Grips wound with a medium gauge, single, twisted brass wire, still very tight and strong.

The robust brass hilt features a fine, symmetrical two-branch guard and a brass pommel cap of the Phrygian-helmet pattern sometime referred to as a ‘high-hat’ style. Hilt is slightly loose on the blade tang. Typical of the Thomas, Griswold cavalry hilt is the high relief, anthacus design at the back top of the counterguard and ornate casting on the both upper branches. Pommel’s forward edge bears a laurel leaf design, as does the start of the knuckle bow under pommel. The serrated-edged, thick leather pad or washer is present. All brass has acquired a deep, rich brown patina.

The unadorned, brass scabbard is an excellent specimen, strong, functional with scattered light dents mostly near the lower end. Both brass mounts are tight and suspend 1¼” brass rings. Visible along the bottom edge of the scabbard is the folder-over weld seam so evident in southern-made scabbards of the period. Scabbard has acquired a pleasing bronze patina with light specs of oxidation and scuffing. Retains its brass collar with its inner throat spring. Nice wear at the bottom of the upper ring mount. Exterior appears to never been cleaned. A very fine, honest used but not abused, Thomas, Griswold & Co. Confederate cavalry officer’s saber with its original brass scabbard.

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