This is one of Nathan Starr’s improved Model 1812 sabers, also known as the 1812/13 pattern. Starr was burdened with changes to the number ordered by federal government- from 1,000 to 5,000, and then to 10,000 (not necessarily a bad thing,)- but also to the design specifications, and with slow payments, with some of the swords thus going out the back door to militia units ready with cash in hand.

The most noticeable change in the 1812/13 version is the larger opening for the hand in the knucklebow and the tighter curve of the blade. This is a good example, with the blade clearly  stamped on the obverse base of the blade, “P/ HHP / N. STARR,” indicating proof (inspection and acceptance) by U.S. inspector Henry H. Peterkin. The markings are sharp and distinct. The sword is the standard configuration using a 33-¼ inch clip-point blade that is 1-1/2 inches wide at the guard. The iron hilt has the standard “reverse-P” shaped knucklebow used in this pattern, slotted for a sword knot and marked with an additional “P” proofmark on its exterior. As is common with these, the wood grip lacks its leather, but the wood is excellent, with good color and surface, and only minor wear and light scratches. The iron pommel with backstrap and separate ferrule at the guard are in in place.  The metal overall is smooth and a mix of light gray and dark gray, with some shallow pitting on the base of the blade and two tiny nicks to the blade edge near the tip that are more evident to the touch than the eye.

This is a nice War of 1812 U.S. cavalry saber typical of those carried by the regiments of U.S. light dragoons and state cavalry units supplied with U.S. arms under the terms of the Militia Act.  [sr][ph:L]

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