3200 INTERESTING 5th TENNESSEE (UNION) CAVALRY

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 600.00 USD
Estimated at 1,200.00 - 1,800.00 USD
OFFICER’S SABER. Overall length: 41”. Blade length: 33”. This sword is a period US M1840 imported enlisted cavalry saber in an officer’s grade scabbard with a personalization to a member of the 5th Tennessee Cavalry. The fit of the sword in the scabbard is exceptional, but it is not likely the sword that was born with the scabbard. Plain blade with a single wide fuller and a secondary fuller near the spine. The ricasso is marked “WESTER & CO SOLINGEN”. Brass hilt with plain 2-branch guard. Standard pommel. Brass wire-wrapped leather grip. Gilded brass-mounted, darkened iron scabbard. Mounts are embellished with flourishes and foliate devices. The top mount is engraved “Capt. Ja’s, T. Exum. Co. I. 5th. Tenn. CAV.”. James T. Exum was Captain of Company I of the 5th Tennessee Cavalry. The 5th Tennessee was organized in December of 1862 and fought throughout the war in many of the major engagements surrounding Nashville and around the Southern Theater in general. It is not difficult to image that Exum’s cherished sword was broken or lost in the heat of battle and this well-fitting sword was taken as a replacement. CONDITION: blade has a medium gray patina with some light staining. Hilt has a very pleasing mustard patina. Grip is complete, as is the wire. Scabbard has some oxidation to the body. Mounts show traces of original gilding mixed with a deep patina. Engraving is quite clear. (02-22325/BF). $1,200-1,800.