ARMORY CONFEDERATE USED CAVALRY SABER. Overall length: 43 1/2". Blade length: 35 3/4". William Glaze of the Palmetto Armory in Columbia, SC, imported 2,000 of these sabers for the South Carolina Militia from 1851 to about 1853. This saber would have been one of the first delivered to and marked by William Glaze. The sabers were of a US M1840 pattern and were manufactured by Schnitzler & Kirschbaum of Solingen, Prussia. The sabers were surplus items that were purchased by Glaze from W.H. Smith of New York. Upon receiving the first sabers of his extensive order, Glaze marked a few sabers “W. Glaze & Co.” There have only been three identified surviving specimens with this rare mark. It is quite likely that the die for marking these first sabers broke after marking a scant few examples. The remaining sabers were marked “Columbia S.C” on the ricasso. This die also slowly broke down so that the last of the markings are barely discernible. The plain blade has a single wide stopped fuller with a secondary fuller near the spine. The ricasso is marked “W. Glaze & Co”, and no pad is present. Brass hilt with a heavy 2-branch plain guard that joins the knuckle bow before entering the pommel. Pommel is in standard form with a Phrygian helmet-style pommel cap. The grip has a cord-wrapped wooden core, covered in leather, and wrapped with twisted brass wire. Iron scabbard with a darkened finish and dual suspension rings. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Dr. Frederick Novy ASAC article on the Palmetto Armory shows the original Glaze family saber with the same markings [Charleston Museum]. CONDITION: blade has a medium gray overall patina with a few scattered spots of oxidation and a few small nicks to the edge. The marking is crisp and legible. The hilt has an exceptionally rich, mellow mustard patina. Grip leather is approximately 65%, and the wire is complete. The accompanying scabbard fits well and has an oxidized patina with a few very minor, shallow dents. An exceptionally rare Confederate-used saber, utilized primarily by the South Carolina Cavalry, is in wonderful condition for its age. PROVENANCE: Stone Mountain Relics, 1990; Joseph A. Edens estate collection. (02-22763/BF). $4,000-6,000.