Second Model cavalry sword. Richmond, VA: Virginia Manufactory of Arms, ca. 1806-1808. Stamped "70" to ricasso, and "1 Va Regt." to spine. Blade approx. 39 in. Overall 44 in. long.

A scarce, unmodified Second Model cavalry sword. These swords differed from the First Model in that they had bird head pommels and sword knot slots, yet they retained their unwieldy and impractical blades. The 1808 Third Model featured a shorter, straighter blade, to the great satisfaction of Virginia Militiamen, many of whom immediately requested to substitute their obsolete First and Second Model swords for Third Models. Second Model swords were shortened and slimmed to keep up with the demand, and, at the onset of the Civil War, previously untouched examples were modified for the burgeoning Confederacy in need of arms. As a result, full-length examples are extremely scarce.

The blade and guard exhibit dark patina and light spots of rust. The grip retains traces of the original leather and wire, but the grooved wood beneath is almost entirely exposed and exhibits some splitting. 

Because the manufactory produced weapons for state militia, it can be assumed that the 1st Virginia Regiment was a militia unit operating in the early 19th century. 

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio

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