John Thillmann did not uncover any 1840 or 1860 cavalry officer’s sabers made by Wester in the survey conducted for his essential Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers, published in 2001, and only one has been found in the meantime. Wester was a Solingen maker, in business from 1825 to 1883, and until this sword was found, was known for his non-regulation officer’s swords and 1840 pattern enlisted cavalry sabers imported Horstmann and likely others, and who supplied enlisted blades to Sauerbier, and perhaps other makers, too.

The brass hilt is cast with a leaf design and central rosette/flower. The knucklebow has a similar rosette and overlapping leaves near the pommel. The branches bear floral designs inside and out as they meet the counterguard. The quillon, or upper inside guard, has a raised broad palmette atop a paired scroll. The brass has mixed patina of some mellow brass mixed with good portions of preserved gilt finish. The grip is excellent. The sharkskin has good color and texture. The copper binding wire is in three strands: a central coiled “dragoon” wire bordered by simple twisted strands.

The blade is stamped “Wester & Co./ Solingen” on the obverse ricasso. The etching is very visible. A palmette at bottom leads to a stand of arms and a long foliate section that includes more arms at its top. Over this a spreadwinged eagle with arrows and olive branch is positioned across the blade. Above that a long section of floral scrolls mixes with an E Pluribus Unum ribbon, followed by another foliate section, with the frosting terminating in straight flame or sunburst points. The reverse has lattice work mixed with geometric and floral motifs at bottom and then two long sections that mix floral scrolls with stands of arms that incorporate furled flags, pikes, shields and a starred banner at bottom. These two sections border a lengthwise “U.S.” top and bottom. The etched panel concludes with foliate scrollwork and flame or sunburst points to the frosting. The edge and point are excellent. The red fabric blade pad is in place. The blade is generally bright with only very tiny gray spots here and there, the frosting is good, and the motifs are quite visible.

The sword is plainly for an officer and decorated as such, but for combat officer. The scabbard is very plain for use in the field. The body is steel with iron mounts. The throat is flat on top and riveted on the sides. Rings, bands, and drag are also in place. There on no dents, but there is gray spotting overall mixed with some areas of thin brown.

Cavalry has always had a romantic appeal and sabers of cavalry officers are scarce and sought after by edged weapons and cavalry collectors alike. This in not only a nice example, but so far as we know, the only one to come to light from this maker.  [sr][ph:L]

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