Officer’s pattern of an 1840 Dragoon saber with a German manufactured blade, sharkskin grip with double twisted wire, and relief castings on the brass guard. The scabbard is a standard field scabbard, with no brass embellishments, and a historic engraving between the two carrying ring mounts.
This sword belonged to Lieutenant Colonel David Branson, Commander of the 62nd Regiment, United States Colored Troops. The 62nd fought in the Battle of Palmito Ranch, May 12-13, 1865 near Brownsville, Texas. It is considered to be the last battle of the Civil War. In addition to the 62nd, Branson’s command included two companies of the (US) 2nd Texas Cavalry Battalion.
The engraving reads,
Lt. Col. David Branson
Comd’y 62nd Regt. U.S.C.T. near mouth of Rio Grande Texas
at sunset May 13th 1865 with this sword commanded ‘Cease firing’
at the close of the last battle of the war of the Rebellion.
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