This edged weapon is a post-Civil War officer's original, non-government regulation cavalry saber identified to the First Troop, Philadelphia City Cavalry. Manufactured by one of the sword firms of Solingen, Prussia (now Germany), blade was imported / assembled, circa 1870s-1880s, by William H. Horstmann and Sons, a well-known sword retailer and importer in Philadelphia. This handsome, slightly curved, high quality steel blade follows the Model 1833 Pattern Dragoon Saber and measures 33" long. Width is 1 1/8" with a 23" long stopped fuller and 15" narrow fuller. Blade back is slightly rounded and undecorated. Blade flats exhibit beautifully acid-etched decorations with exquisite detail evident on the metal. At the blade's obverse ricasso is the Horstmann stamp of the standing figure within a circle whose outer border reads "W. H. HORSTMANN COMPANY".

Leather washer covers the lower portion of the stamp. Above the maker's mark is a delicate foliate design that incorporates a floral motif of leaves and acorns with script letters "F.T.P.C.C." (First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry) above. A spreadwinged eagle follows with a floral display above the eagle. The blade reverse ricasso is unmarked but above the ricasso is exhibited a similar floral / military motif design as the obverse. The bright blade retains very fine, exquisite detail in its etching and still exhibits a luster and sheen to the metal overall. Blade point area does exhibit numerous areas of scattered rust oxidation on both sides.

The plain steel hilt is in very good condition and displays the symmetrical two-branch guard integrated into the knucklebow. Hilt retains its original leather pad or washer on the face. Wide top strap sits on the grips that are black sharkskin wrapped with double twist steel wire. Wire is flanked with single strand steel wire. Front ferrule secures a 3" long leather loop. Wire wrap tight and strong. The original steel scabbard 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 fine, non-regulation First Troop Philadelphia City cavalry officer's edged weapon is an outstanding, Horstmann-marked piece imported from a well-known Prussian firm. A truly impressive post-war specimen of an officer's saber that would easily compliment any display or collection of edged weapons.