These British Model 1853 pattern cavalry sabers with brass guards were imported by Courtney & Tenant of Charleston, S.C., from Robert Mole & Sons of Birmingham, England, during the Civil War. The 35 1/4 inch blade has a single wide fuller extending around 70% of the blade. "MOLE" is marked on the spine near the buff leather washer at the hilt. This example does not have the Courtney & Tennant stamp. The brass hilt has a branched guard and pinned checkered grip scales. Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Fine with an excellent bright blade showing only light patina and marks, aged patina on the hilt, moderate wear on the grip scales, brown patina and mild oxidation/pitting on the scabbard, and fairly light overall wear mainly from age and storage. The consignor states this sword is "considered among the finest, if not the finest, condition example of this type."