This rare saber and matching metal scabbard is an original English Pattern 1853 cavalry saber manufactured by the Birmingham, England firm of Robert Mole and is so marked. This item is from a Fairfield, Pennsylvania estate. Fairfield is approx. 8 miles west of Gettysburg and was the site of a cavalry clash on July 3, 1863.

Saber is in very good overall condition and measures 40 ¾” long with a total length of 42.”  Blade is almost straight and void of any etching. Blade surface is semi-bright with light scattered mottling and some very light scattered pinprick surface pitting. A single unstopped fuller runs for 24 ½” along the upper edge of the blade. Blade has a broad spine with the marking “MOLE” stamped near its base. Weapon lacks any British military markings. Which is correct for British-made sabers produced for export.

The large, flat, iron-mounted hilt features a wide, flat knucklebow with two branches for the counterguard and a quillon ending in a flat disc. Entire hilt wears a dark patina from oxidation and exhibits some surface pitting. Grips are original checkered leather that is riveted to the blade tang with five small iron rivets. Leather is worn and shows some light surface finish loss. Hilt is tight and retains its original washer pad.

Original, large, heavy iron scabbard is in excellent condition with a dark patina overall.  Unadorned, the scabbard is strong and tight with a smooth hard surface that shows scattered light pinprick pitting. Scabbard is stamped “C” over “15” on the flat between the throat collar and the upper ring band. Scabbard has two ring mounts that are tight and each secures a 1¼” diameter iron sword ring. Throat collar retains one of the two small setscrews. Scabbard shows no dents. Drag is strong and shows no wear.

The latest book on the import of English weapons for use in the Civil War is “THE ENGLISH CONNECTION” by Pritchard and Huey. Page 297 of that volume discusses a brass hilted version of the Mole marked sword which the authors say they believe was a Confederate contract. They go on to state that… “The steel variation was made for the trade rather than under any Confederate contract.”   [ad]

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