Model 1840 Cavalry Saber Identified to C.F. Combs, 12th Illinois Cavalry / SOLD

Model 1840 Cavalry Saber Identified to C.F. Combs, 12th Illinois Cavalry - Inventory Number: SWO 271 / SOLD

Model 1840 "wristbreaker" cavalry saber manufactured by Sheble & Fisher of Philadelphia. The knuckle bow is stamped "C.F. Combs. Serg't. Co. C." Charles Combs enlisted as a sergeant in the 12th Illinois Cavalry in February 1862. He served with the regiment as prisoner guards at Camp Butler, Illinois until June 1862, when they were ordered to Martinsburg, West Virginia. They cut their way through Confederate lines during the surrender of Harper's Ferry on September 14, 1862 and participated in the Battle of Antietam on the 17th. He was promoted to 2 Lieutenant on 11/17/62. The regiment spent the remainder of the year around Dumfries, Virginia, and participated in Stoneman's Raid during the Battle of Chancellorsville. Combs was promoted to 1" Lieutenant on May 15°, 1863. He then continued on with the regiment to fight at Upperville, and soon after at the Battle of Gettysburg, he served with distinction through the remainder of the Virginia battles, then in Louisiana and sin Tennessee. His saber was a wonderful uncleaned brass patina on the guard with some minimal leather loss to the grip from extensive use. The blade is in good condition with evenly scattered light pitting and is developing a light gray patina, as is the scabbard, which has a few dings and dents from service. Also included is the 2002 history "In the First Line of Battle". The 12th Illinois Cavalry in the Civil War by Samuel M. Blackwell Jr. A nice Identified Civil War cavalry saber that shows honest use in the field.

Inventory Number: SWO 271 / SOLD