This is an absolutely massive and beautiful Cavalry Officers Saber, one of the best that I have ever handled. Formerly in the Dick Johnson Collection, this wrist breaker sized saber is inscribed on a plaque between its ring-mounts as follows; "Presented to; CAPT. JAS. F. DWIGHT, Pro. Mar. Genl, Dept. of the Mo. By The Officers and Employees of his Office, June 10th, 1863".
At the beginning of the Civil War, James Fowler Dwight enlisted in the Fremont Hussars (4th Missouri Cavalry) as a Second Lieutenant and quickly rose through the ranks. Transferred as a Major in the 11th Missouri Cavalry, he was appointed Provost Marshall General of the Department of Missouri under Genls. Curtiss and Scofield at St. Louis, with power over Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. He was mustered out in 1865 by Philip H. Sheridan as a full-colonel.
This saber is in wonderful condition, retaining nearly 100% original gold gilt on the hilt and mounts of its scabbard. The blade is in nearly flat mint condition with beautiful etching of military figures. The original, fluted ivory grip is massive and also in minty condition and the pommel cap is mounted with a large topaz or facsimile. A spectacular Cavalry Saber and the best we have seen in quite some time.