US MODEL 1840 CAVALRY SABER OF MAURICE LEYDEN, THIRD NEW YORK CAVALRY

US MODEL 1840 CAVALRY SABER OF MAURICE LEYDEN, THIRD NEW YORK CAVALRY

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$750.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1268-777A

This cavalry saber, along with several other items, came directly from the Leyden family in 1998 and within a few months was in the Ray Richey collection.  Maurice Leyden was 22 years of age when he enrolled at Syracuse in the military June 12, 1861. By July of 1861 he was a second lieutenant of Co. B Third New York Cavalry (aka Van Alan Cavalry). On June 12th, 1863, he was promoted to a 1st lieutenant. His service was that of the 3rd New York cavalry's. Please refer to this link (https://civilwarintheeast.com/us-regiments-batteries/new-york-regiments-and-batteries/3rd-new-york-cavalry/). Leyden was captured in action at Darbytown road near Richmond. This was the last advance by the Army of Northern Virginia north of the James River.  The battle began successfully at dawn on October 7, 1864, as the combined Confederate assault overpowered the Union cavalry stationed on Darbytown Road. Two hours elapsed before the attack could continue, however, giving Union Gen. Alfred H. Terry time to redeploy his division to face the Confederate attack in the fields just north of there. The attack soon fell apart, and the remnants of the Confederate force withdrew west to their original defensive lines. Lee’s last advance north of the James River resulted in more than 1,000 Confederate casualties while the Federals suffered fewer than 500. Leyden was subsequently confined in three rebel prisons, Salisbury, Danville and Libby. On February 22, 1865, he was paroled and officially exchanged April 1, 1865. He was given a captain's commission in absentia December 22, 1864, retroactive to October 10, 1864. Leyden returned to the 3rd New York cavalry as a captain shortly after April 1, 1865. Within 3 months he transferred to Co, B 1st Mounted Rifles.  The designation of the regiment was changed to the 4th Provisional Cavalry on September 6, 1865. On November 29, 1865, he mustered out with his company. In January 1866 he was brevetted a major of US volunteers. Please click on this link for more on this interesting soldier (Emerging Civil War). After the war he was also variously president of the American Dental Association, the Rochester Savings and Loan Association and the Davis & Leyden dental equipment manufacturing company, Monroe County Clerk, first secretary of the Rochester Title Insurance Company and supervisor of Rochester's 8th Ward and was active in the GAR and the 3rd NY Cavalry Association. He died in 1906.

This edged weapon is a US Model 1840 cavalry sword which appears to be a German import. Leyden is photographed as a 1st lieutenant holding this sword (we show the image for reference only, it does not accompany the sword). Known as the "Wristbreaker" to the Federal troopers who carried it, this four pound, eight-ounce edged weapon is an attractive piece with a 35½" curved blade that retains its original shiny bright luster. The pommel cap, of the Phrygian helmet design, bears no decoration or inspector marks. The wooden walnut grips are wrapped with black leather and secured with 22-gauge, single twist brass. The leather shows wear from use and is 60% intact. The brass sword hilt, with its brass knuckle bow, quillon and two-branch guard, is fine and tight. The hilt bears a pleasing mellow bronze patina that has some areas of bright brass peeking through. Fitted to this saber is its original steel scabbard in very fine condition. The scabbard is mostly bright as made but has some surface rust which can be easily removed. The scabbard is complete with its two suspension rings.  [pe][ph:L]

Note that the CDV included in the photos above is for reference purposes only, it does not accompany the purchase of the saber.

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