Sauerbier Cavalry Officers' Saber with Etched Blade Presentation to Lieutenant Sullivan 9th PA Cavalry - KIA at Tomkinsville, KY - Fighting John Hunt Morgan's Men
American Civil War
35.25" curved, single-edged blade with a 27.5" unstopped median fuller. Blade is 1" wide at the ricasso and the overall length is 41.25". The 6" hilt is of gilt brass with a two-branch guard and a knuckle bow that are decorated with raised floral motifs. The blade is secured to the hilt with a spanner capstan nut in the pommel. The grooved wood grip is covered in leather with 17 wraps of triple strand wire. The sword is etched on both sides with floral, patriotic and martial motifs and further etched on the obverse of the blade Presented by Co. E. 9th Pa. Cav. about 8" from the tip and on the reverse Lt. Sullivan about 10" from the tip. Although the spine is only decorated with acid etched vines and bears no retailer's marking, this additional aftermarket personalized presentation etching was likely applied by Louisville retailer JJ Hurstbuhl. The sword is accompanied by its gilt brass scabbard with presentation quality raised and chased mounts, featuring oak leaves and acorns. The sword was acquired from noted collector and dealer Don Ball and is accompanied by a large binder of research material about Sullivan and the 9th PA.

Aaron Sullivan (1831-1862) was commissioned into the Company E of the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry as a 2nd lieutenant on October 17, 1861. The 9th PA was assigned to the Army of Ohio and by late November 1861 was in the Louisville, KY area, with their camp across the river in Jeffersonville, IN. The regiment spent most of its efforts during the first part of 1862 in pursuit of and fighting with cavalry under the command of John Hunt Morgan, and performing outpost duty in Middle Tennessee. It was on July 9, 1862 that Lt. Sullivan was killed in action against Morgan and his men at Tompkinsville, KY.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
From the Collection of George Oldenbourg
Ex-Don Ball

Very good. Blade with a dull pewter patina and showing scattered freckles and patches of surface oxidation and discoloration. Blade retains most of the etching and embellishments with moderate dulling and some light wear. Hilt with traces of gilt in protected areas. Grip wrap and wire intact and in good condition. Leather throat washer with sawtooth boarder in place. Scabbard with traces of gilt finish and showing a rich, uncleaned patina. Scabbard body with some scattered bumps, dings and dents.