US Civil War, W.Clauberg Model, 1840 Heavy Cavalry Sword w/o Scabbard

Description

I’m selling an excellent example of the 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber, without scabbard. The item as I received it had no handle wrapping left and the wooden core of the handle was split into several pieces. I dismantled the hilt and restored the wooden core and re-wrapped it with new calf-skin and twisted brass wire and added the missing oval leather washer on the ricasso, in the same manner as the original was constructed. I’ve include pictures of the reconstruction process.
Everything else is original with the antique sword.
The maker’s mark as seen on the ricasso, is W.Clauberg, as well as the location in
Solingen
Germany
. W. Clauberg appears to be a highly regarded sword maker among collectors. After dismantling the hilt, I discovered a mark on the tang that I have no information about. It is an 8 pointed star (or two superimposed squares) with a capital “L” in the center.
The blade is in excellent condition with no deep pitting; only staining typical of the age. It may have been re-sharpened at one time, but it’s hard to tell whether or not during its time of service. The only clue is that there are a several small nicks along the edge which might suggest combat use after it was sharpened, but I’m not an expert. The blade alone is a full 35 ¾” from the brass hand guard to the tip, 1 ¼” wide and
3/8
” thick at the spine near the brass hand guard.
The brass hand guard and pommel cap are in good condition. Someone had lightly scratched a couple of “Xs” on the front of the hand guard for some reason, but they are very shallow.
There is also a brass tag hanging from the hand guard that I think is an identification from the auction house that first owned it. It’s easily removed but I chose to just leave it for the next owner.
I’ve pictured this next to an actual 1860
Light
Cavalry Saber which replaced this model saber, to show the size difference. This sword is rather a beast compared to the weight and handling of the 1860 model.