INDIAN WARS, U.S. ARMY, M1872 CAVALRY OFFICERS SABRE The U.S. Model of 1872 Light Cavalry Saber was the second in the series of light cavalry sabers used by the United States. The design was used in the U.S. from about 1872, through the Indian Wars and skirmishes of the 1870's, 1880's and 1890's. The pommel features a deep foliate design upon a pebbled background with a Union shield facing forward with crossed sabers beneath, specifically marking it for use by cavalry. The dark black shark skin grip with twisted brass braided wire wrapped eleven times are in place and tight, showing light wear. The branches have deep foliate designs inside and out. The counterguard facing the grip is decorated with an eagle clutching arrows and olive branch on a striated sunburst background with a lower border of thirteen stars. The facing side is filled with the same striated sunburst pattern. The guard is a three-branch or three-bar guard (also known as a knucklebow), common to Cavalry Sabres, which provided protection for the hand. The leather washer remains in place under the guard. Condition of this 32-inch-long blade example is good, with the expected wear and patina of age and use. The curved 32-inch-long blade is solid, with staining but no major rust or pitting. The blade is curved, unsharpened, no nicks, and has some light age spots scattered throughout. The blade is curved, single-edged blade, often described as a lighter version of the earlier Model 1860 Cavalry Saber. It could probably be buffed to a full shine, but we left it intact to preserve the patina. The blade does display a very faint makers mark, please refer to the images. The number 10 is also displayed on the blade near the ricasso. The scabbard is nickel plated, which is standard for the model. The scabbard is in good condition, with no large dents or dings on the scabbard body, and a mostly intact nickel plating. The brass fittings are very nice, and display patina due to age and use. The screw that retains the scabbard throat is intact. The scabbard gilt brass mounts for the throat, ring mounts, and drag are intact. Displays some oxidation of scabbard and brass fittings. The number ?13? has been stamped on two of the brass ring mounts and near the screw that retains the scabbard throat. Brass National symbol depicts a spread eagle clutching a shield. This lighter version of the 1860 pattern cavalry saber was adopted for cavalry officers in 1872 and spread to mounted officers of other services starting in 1878. Initial production at Springfield was slow, with only 106 produced from 1873 to 1876, and then a pause in production until 1880 when they were produced sporadically up through 1902, when the pattern was replaced by a universal officer?s sword for all services. Total production at Springfield was only 2,476 and their swords are difficult to find. This was a popular sword, lighter than its predecessors, but sturdier than the contemporary 1860/1872 staff and field. In addition to being eventually authorized for mounted officers in the U.S. army, it was often preferred by officers of the National Guard. Several manufacturers made these, but even those are usually found in terrible condition. This will be shipped via United Parcel Service (UPS) w/tracking, full insurance, and adult signature required upon delivery. International Buyers Please Note: We do not ship outside of the United States! No Exceptions. In addition, we will not ship to third party shippers or any other international shipping hubs such as International Shipping (EIS), EIS 110 INTERNATIONALE BLVD, GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2080, or ACI Express Shipping. No buying agents such as Intercommerce America. No international buyers, no freight forwarding companies, no gift addresses, no non U.S. citizen buyers, and no non U.S. based forms of payment. If you place a bid, or make a purchase, we will cancel your bid, and or cancel your purchase! If you wish to make a purchase, you will have to find someone located within the United States to make the purchase for you. They would be responsible to send the package to you. We do ship to APO and FPO addresses.