Henry Sauerbier’s swords form a collecting subcategory of their own. This is in an excellent example with his etched address on the blade and a number of typically Sauerbier characteristics. It is also in fantastic condition.

The hilt is the regulation 1850 style, but with very dense cast and chased floral motifs along the edge of the pommel cap and fine openwork scrolling floral elements in the counterguard. The upper end of the knucklebow has floral scrolls where it joins the pommel, and is attached in the typical Sauerbier fashion by a screw. The sides of the quillon have similar feathery leafy scrolls, but those on the upper guard are stippled as well. The obverse edge of the counterguard is cast and chased with floral motifs. The grip is wrapped in glossy black leather and bound with three strands of wire. The underside of the guard has Sauerbier’s characteristic foot-ball shaped blade pad with serrated edge. The hilt retains about 20 percent of its gilt finish in recessed areas on the upper surface, and is very much stronger on the underside with 40 percent or better, with natural rubbing the edges of the guard, etc. The grip is excellent in color and surface, with all wire tight.

The blade is excellent, with unstopped large central fuller and a narrower fuller below the back edge, a common form for Sauerbier and likely an import. His address is etched on the reverse near the guard: “H. Sauerbier / Newark / N.J.” The blade etching is floral scrollwork overall but with a typically puffy, large block letter U.S. on the reverse and stand of arms on the obverse. The blade edges and point are fine. The surface is smooth, medium bright with very few gray spots and the etching is fully visible.

The steel scabbard is minty, with a beautiful glossy plum color and no dents or scratches and plain, medium width gilt brass ring bands, throat and drag. The mounts match the hilt in the showing an mellow brass patina with the drag showing stronger gilt, much like the underside of the guard.

Sauerbier offered a wide variety of blade, hilt, and scabbard styles. This would fit in nicely with other examples of his work or as a very nice example of regulation foot officer’s sword in a practical metal scabbard, or field officer’s sword with plainer, but nicely detailed, hilt. [sr] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!