While I was tearing off a ratty addition to our house a couple weeks ago I found this. I can make out that it is an american sabre of some type, it was etched and there are faint traces of gilding on it The aproximate measurements of the blade at hilt is 3/4" wide and the blade at hilt about 1/4" thick, blade length is 29 1/2 and tang is 5 1/2. Thanks for any input. Patrick
http://www.thadenarmory.com/wierd/IMG_0180.jpg
http://www.thadenarmory.com/wierd/IMG_0181.jpg
http://www.thadenarmory.com/wierd/IMG_0182.jpg

by the design on the blade it almost looks like a marine dress saber. man, only you would have the luck to find a sword in your house ;)

Considering the blade length and angle of the dangle, my first thought would be an early 1902 sword for all officers. Second guess is a post 1872-1852 naval officer's sword but those have quite a cant to the grip. Here is a blurp on the 1902.

http://www.arms2armor.com/Swords/1902army.htm

The site likewise has other notes on the naval swords and cavalry swords but this is a foot length blade. There was an 1872 mounted artillery officer's sword as well but the blade length again makes me think of the 1902. If there are any pieces at all of the hilt eft, it would help better say for certain. what I see says 1902.

Cheers

GC

Absolutely no doubt, from the etching the sword is a M1902 Officer's Saber, a German import blade most likely manufactured by Carl Eickhorn.

I have an example with identical etching in my collection, the blades were used on Meyer trademarked swords among others.