This is a scarce Nathan Starr, Sr. cavalry saber from the 1818 US contract. This example is dated 1821, the year Nathan Starr, Sr. died. The US Government placed an order for 10,600 of these with Nathan Starr, Sr. in 1818 and - since there was no standing cavalry at the time - were to be used by State Militias.
These swords are very similar to other American swords - militia and infantry - of the same period and very similar to the British Pattern 1796 Dragoon Saber.
This example is of iron hilt construction, wooden grip (that may have been covered with with leather-wrapping at some time); steel blade, medium curve with clip point.
Appropriate US inspector's marks appear on the blade ricasso.
This style sword was eventually replaced by the US Model 1833 "Dragoon" Saber.

West Point Cadet Name Searches

I have various information on West Point Cadets - graduates and non-graduates - from 1802 to 2002. If there is a name on your sword - and that name is registered as a West Point Cadet - I can very likely supply basic information on that individual. I charge $10 to search, non-refundable. If a record is found, I will forward that information on to you via e-mail; if no record is found, I will e-mail you to that effect. Follow this link to request a West Point Cadet Search.