This classic Confederate cavalryman’s saber is now recognized as coming the shops of Louis and Elias Haiman of Columbus, Georgia, one of the most prolific arms suppliers in the south. The firm had a contract for some 8,000 sabers with the CS government, of which they delivered 3,000 in 1862, likely of this pattern, which follows the U.S. Model 1840. The brass hilt has a nice, undisturbed age patina with no breaks, cracks or bends to the branches or guard. Haiman grip coverings varied. This one is black oil cloth or tarred canvas with a glazed surface showing some wear, but no holes or wear down to the wood. The binding is the typical Haiman single iron wire with backward slant, complete, tight and dark with some slight brown oxidation. The grip shows only a slight shrinkage gap from age at the guard. The sword has never been apart or messed with.

The blade pad is in place on the underside of the guard, though showing cracking, chipping and some small losses. The blade is typically Haiman, with a single broad, unstopped fuller and a couple of small forging flaws on the reverse just forward of the guard. The blade rates very good or better, very clean, with a smooth surface showing lots of bright metal with scattered gray spots, a good point and edge with no nicks.

The iron scabbard is also typical of the maker, made with a crude, lapped seam and no attempt to hide it. The flat iron throat and the drag are in place. The ring bands are brass, with a nice, undisturbed patina. The crude sling rings are in place, the forward ring being simple, heavy iron wire, overlapped and hammered down, but welded closed. The scabbard body shows a crusty surface of some brown and some old black paint.

The Haimans were German born and began arms and military goods manufacturing in 1861, making everything from swords to belt plates, using local materials, but also importing steel and blades. Their factory employed some 400 workers, took up a city block, and went up in flames in 1865 when Wilson’s cavalry paid a visit.

This is very nice, complete Confederate cavalry saber made by a large and recognized southern maker. If you are looking to build out a Confederate cavalry display, add to a Civil War edged weapons collection, or even acquire pieces like an ancestor might have carried, this would make a great acquisition.  [sr]  [ph:L]

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