Lot 193: P. Knecht Soligen Artillery Officer's Saber and Scabbard

A saber with similarly etched and finish blade but different hilt and scabbard by Peter Knecht was presented to the Marquis de Lafayette and is similar to other American Light Artillery 1810 Pattern swords (mostly imported from Europe) from 1810-1840. It has a 32 inch curved blade (measured along the spine), etched floral scroll and neo-classical martial motifs including a caduceus on the right and fasces on the left, "P. Knecht" in script on the right ricasso, "Solingen" on the left ricasso, gilded highlights, and a niter blue background that terminates in scrolls. The brass hilt is fitted with a checkered and chevron carved bone grip. It comes with a brass scabbard.

Very fine with 90% plus original niter blue on the excellent blade, 75% plus original gold, mostly bright balance of the blade, minor scratches and marks, aged patina on the hilt and scabbard, some chipping at the toe of the grip and age cracks, and minor dents in the scabbard. This is a very attractive and well-maintained sword by one of Solingen's finest makers.