This is a very good example of Nathan Starr’s improved Model 1812 saber, also known as the 1812/13 pattern. Starr was burdened with changes to the number ordered by the government- from 1,000 to 5,000, and then to 10,000 (not necessarily a bad thing,)- but also to changes in 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 key US military sword in the development of US cavalry arms carried by the regiments of U.S. light dragoons and by state cavalry units supplied with U.S. arms under the terms of the Militia Act with deliveries continuing after the end of the war.

The iron hilt is smooth metal with nice, deep brown color to the bird’s head pommel and  backstrap with separate ferrule at the guard. The hilt has the standard “reverse-P” shaped knucklebow, slotted for a sword knot and marked with an additional “P” proofmark on its exterior. As is common, the grip lacks both its leather and wire, but the wood is excellent, with very well defined ridges and grooves, nice dark color and no obnoxious chips or splinters. The blade pad/washer is gone, as most are, exposing the angled blade shoulder.

The blade is smooth metal with good edge and point and the standard configuration, about 33 ¼ inches long, 1 ½ inches wide at the guard and with a clip point. It is a muted silver gray in color with typical scattered darker gray age spotting, but no pitting or freckling, we note just some long narrow scratches running under the fuller above the edge, on the lower blade on both sides. The markings near the guard are sharp: “L.S. / N. STARR / US,” indicating inspection and acceptance by U.S. inspector Luther Sage.

The scabbard has no rust holes, dings or dents, and has it full coverage of black japanning showing just a small paint splotch or rub near the throat. It is full length, lacks the flat throat, but has both carryings rings and the drag firmly in place. This is a very good example of key US cavalry saber in any collection.    [jet] [ph:L]

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