IMPORTANT DBL INSCRIBED CIVIL WAR U.S. COLORED TROOP CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER, 5TH MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY.

IMPORTANT DBL INSCRIBED CIVIL WAR U.S. COLORED TROOP CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER, 5TH MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY. An historic sword inscribed and carried by Lt. George Albert Fisher who served as an officer in the 5th Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry (Colored). The saber is a regulation style U.S. Model 1840 Cavalry Officer’s Saber, made in Solingen Germany and sold by Horstmann. The curved heavy single edged blade is 31-1/4” long. Heavily etched panels cover 50% of the blade displaying stands of classical trophies, floral and scrollwork. “W.H. Horstmann & Sons/Philadelphia” is etched in a rectangular panel near the ricasso on one side. The three branch guard is of cast brass with leaf decoration according to regulation. Laurel leaf decoration adorns the back of the pommel cap. The grip is of sharkskin covered wood with twisted brass wire wrap. The scabbard is of polished steel with wide sheet brass mounts, drag and carrying rings.

The officer’s name “George A. Fisher” is engraved on the top of the counter guard. In addition, the top mount of the scabbard is inscribed as follows: “George A. Fisher/from his/Classmates/Harvard College/Jan. 11, 1864.”

George A. Fisher enlisted in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 29, 1863 at 23 years of age. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 5th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry (Colored Troops). The 5th Massachusetts Cavalry was the only black Massachusetts cavalry regiment. On January 9, 1864 he was place into Company E of the regiment. On July 5, 1864, Fisher was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and transferred to Company C of the 5th Mass. Cavalry.

Company E was assigned to the second battalion and left the state for Washington D.C. on May 6, 1863. All three battalions were re-united at Camp Casey and the entire regiment reported to General Benjamin Butler at Fortress Monroe. The regiment was equipped as Infantry and assigned to the 3rd Division, 18th Corps at West Point, Virginia. The division’s first conflict was at Baylor’s Farm near Petersburg on June 15, 1863. After serving before Petersburg, the regiment was sent to Point Lookout Prison Camp and served garrison duty there. In the early months of 1864 the 5th Mass. Cavalry fought in the final Siege of Petersburg. Following the fall of Petersburg, the regiment camped near City Point and was transferred to Clarksville, Texas where it was mustered out of service on October 31, 1865.

Fisher served with the regiment throughout its service from muster in to muster out. He returned to Massachusetts and became a prominent attorney and judge. A photograph of Fisher in uniform is in the collection of the Massachusetts Commandery of the MOLLUS.

CONDITION: Very good, the blade has a medium gray patina overall and the etching is deep and strong. The hilt is fine and uncleaned with a medium yellow patina. The grip is excellent. The steel scabbard has been cleaned and retains a light gray appearance. The scabbard has no dents. 4-53193 CW7 (6,500-8,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1132	$8,050.00	IMPORTANT DBL INSCRIBED CIVIL WAR U.S. COLORED TROOP CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER, 5TH MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY. An historic sword inscribed and carried by Lt. George Albert Fisher who served as an officer in the 5th Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry (Colored). The saber is a regulation style U.S. Model 1840 Cavalry Officer’s Saber, made in Solingen Germany and sold by Horstmann. The curved heavy single edged blade is 31-1/4” long. Heavily etched panels cover 50% of the blade displaying stands of classical trophies, floral and scrollwork. “W.H. Horstmann & Sons/Philadelphia” is etched in a rectangular panel near the ricasso on one side. The three branch guard is of cast brass with leaf decoration according to regulation. Laurel leaf decoration adorns the back of the pommel cap. The grip is of sharkskin covered wood with twisted brass wire wrap. The scabbard is of polished steel with wide sheet brass mounts, drag and carrying rings. The officer’s name “George A. Fisher” is engraved on the top of the counter guard. In addition, the top mount of the scabbard is inscribed as follows: “George A. Fisher/from his/Classmates/Harvard College/Jan. 11, 1864.” George A. Fisher enlisted in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 29, 1863 at 23 years of age. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 5th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry (Colored Troops). The 5th Massachusetts Cavalry was the only black Massachusetts cavalry regiment. On January 9, 1864 he was place into Company E of the regiment. On July 5, 1864, Fisher was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and transferred to Company C of the 5th Mass. Cavalry. Company E was assigned to the second battalion and left the state for Washington D.C. on May 6, 1863. All three battalions were re-united at Camp Casey and the entire regiment reported to General Benjamin Butler at Fortress Monroe. The regiment was equipped as Infantry and assigned to the 3rd Division, 18th Corps at West Point, Virginia. The division’s first conflict was at Baylor’s Farm near Petersburg on June 15, 1863. After serving before Petersburg, the regiment was sent to Point Lookout Prison Camp and served garrison duty there. In the early months of 1864 the 5th Mass. Cavalry fought in the final Siege of Petersburg. Following the fall of Petersburg, the regiment camped near City Point and was transferred to Clarksville, Texas where it was mustered out of service on October 31, 1865. Fisher served with the regiment throughout its service from muster in to muster out. He returned to Massachusetts and became a prominent attorney and judge. A photograph of Fisher in uniform is in the collection of the Massachusetts Commandery of the MOLLUS. CONDITION: Very good, the blade has a medium gray patina overall and the etching is deep and strong. The hilt is fine and uncleaned with a medium yellow patina. The grip is excellent. The steel scabbard has been cleaned and retains a light gray appearance. The scabbard has no dents. 4-53193 CW7 (6,500-8,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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