Stan, did you notice when the "expert" offered his opinion of the saber he never mentioned that it was an 1840 Light Artillery Saber. Not a cavalry saber as described. Single bow (or loop) hand guard. The "goo" at the tip of the blade was most likely grease. Sabers are probably the easiest weapon to "fake". Inspector marks and all. And the estimated value was a little high not being associated with any individual. You can buy these sabers at gun shows in the $1000 to $1500 range regularly. I think Forrest said that the only thing a saber was good for was roasting meat over a camp fire. Mosby frowned on sabers due to the noise the made while riding. Pistols were his weapon of choice. Cool television show though.

Keith