This 1821-dated US Contract of 1818 Nathan Starr-made cavalry saber is one of 10,600 delivered by Starr, and one of only about 500 or so inspected by Joseph Weathershead, as is indicated by the initials JW at the ricasso. This is the first time I have seen this elusive inspector's mark on an 1818 Starr saber.
Grip has lost its leather cover and has some chips in wood, otherwise the sword has an aged appearance, and is very much together, with no play and no active rust. Blade measures the standard 31.5".
Contract of 1818 Starr cavalry sabers are the last of the true American form, unmistakable in its design and construction.