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Cavalry Officers’ Saber, Model 1872 (HLP 96)
This Cavalry Officers’ Saber became mandatory in 1872 even though it was lighter than its predecessor and practically useless. The saber was used until 1902. The saber shown here was sold by Horstmann, Philadelphia. The hilt has a brass knuckle-bow, with two branches, that form a half-basket guard. The guard is engraved with an eagle, shown clutching arrows and palm branch and thirteen stars. The pommel is decorated with laurel leaves and a shield. The grips are wood, covered with fish skin that is wound with gilt wire. The curved blade is engraved with floral design on the obverse side. The reverse side has military designs, floral engraving, and the ricasso is marked with the Horstmann name. This is another example where the War Department made this practically useless light saber mandatory for cavalry officers. Earlier, a similar remark was made about the Staff and Field Officers’ Sword Model 1860 (Sword T).
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