Antique M1902 US Army Officer Saber M.C. Lilley Germany Etched w/ Scabbar For Sale

TITLE:Antique M1902 US Army Officer Saber M.C. Lilley Germany Etched w/ ScabbardCONDITION:Original antique condition with age-related oxidation, dark spotting, surface scratches, finish loss and general wear to the blade, guard and metal scabbard. The extensive acid-etched decoration remains clearly visible.The deeply carved dark-brown wooden grip is intact and retains visible natural wood grain. It has age-related surface wear and what appears to be a small age check or narrow separation near the upper rear edge. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description. Sold in its present condition as photographed.DESCRIPTION:Offered is an original early U.S. Model 1902 Army officer’s dress saber with its metal scabbard, retailed and likely assembled by The M.C. Lilley & Co. of Columbus, Ohio.The saber measures exactly 38 inches overall while sheathed. The guard measures approximately 4½ inches across at its widest point.The ricasso near the handle is stamped “GERMANY,” confirming that the steel blade was manufactured in Germany. It is also marked:“THE M.C. LILLEY & CO.
COLUMBUS, O.”M.C. Lilley was a prominent American supplier of military, ceremonial and fraternal equipment. Based on the Model 1902 pattern and the company marking, this example likely dates from approximately 1902–1925.The lightly curved blade is extensively acid-etched on both sides with American patriotic and military imagery. Decorations include a spread-winged American eagle and shield, “E Pluribus Unum,” stylized “U.S.” lettering, flags, cannons, drums, military trophies and ornamental floral scrollwork. Much of the detailed etching remains clearly visible.The saber features an original deeply carved dark-brown wooden grip with four pronounced finger grooves. The natural wood grain is clearly visible. The wooden grip shows age-related surface wear and what appears to be a small age check or narrow separation near its upper rear edge, as shown in the close-up photographs.The hilt has a branching metal guard, and the accompanying metal scabbard has two suspension rings. Small stamped assembly or inventory markings are also present, including “19” on the guard and paired marks resembling “11” near the blade’s ricasso.This saber was acquired from a family whose oral history associated it with an ancestor who served in the cavalry during the American Civil War. Because the Model 1902 saber was adopted decades after the Civil War, it could not have been carried during that conflict. It is possible that it was later presented to the veteran or connected with a postwar veterans’, militia or ceremonial organization.No documents, recipient’s name, military unit or formal presentation inscription accompany the saber. Therefore, the Civil War cavalry association is included solely as unverified family oral history and is not represented as documented provenance.The sword and scabbard display oxidation, scattered dark spotting, scratches, finish loss and other wear consistent with age. The patriotic blade etching remains strong and attractive. Please review every photograph closely for exact condition, markings and included components.The saber will be carefully wrapped, immobilized and shipped in a reinforced box. Sale and shipment are subject to applicable laws and carrier restrictions.ITEM SPECIFICS:Type: U.S. Army officer’s dress saber
Model: Model 1902
Maker/Retailer: The M.C. Lilley & Co., Columbus, Ohio
Blade origin: Germany
Approximate date: 1902–1925
Handle material: Carved dark-stained wood
Blade decoration: Acid-etched on both sides
Overall length in scabbard: 38 inches
Maximum guard width: Approximately 4½ inches
Scabbard: Metal scabbard with two suspension rings
Original/Reproduction: Original
Condition: Antique, used and unrestored appearance