Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the principal cavalry saber used by both Union and Confederate Forces during the U.S. Civil War of 1860-1865. This is a very solid example, showing honest signs of period use. The leather wrap and brass wire wrapping we believe was redone many years ago, but does not detract from the piece at all. In addition, the original buff leather scabbard bumper which is normally located on the guard at the ricasso is missing.
The curved 35 inch blade's ricasso is marked on one side with the Ames "Banner" address, which is complete, though faint -
Made by
AMES MFG Co
CHICOPEE.
MASS.
One the other side it is marked-
U.S.
J.F
186
Unfortunately the last number of the date is not legible. J.F is an inspector that worked at Ames during the Civil War, who we have not been able to identify. The blade is in very good condition for a service-used saber of this age, with just a few areas of light staining. It has a nice edge with several dings towards the end of the blade edge. The three branch brass hand guard is in good shape, and has a lovely oxidized patina. There is an additional inspector A.H. mark on the pommel.
The saber comes with an Original Model 1840 Scabbard, which, while not correct functions all the same as the correct Model 1860 Scabbard. The original all steel-curved scabbard and complete with both mounting rings. The drag of the scabbard shows expected wear with overall structural integrity excellent. There are numerous minor dents and numerous dings on the scabbard, in addition to some surface pitting here and there.
Offered in very good collector's condition, original Civil War Cavalry Swords are getting harder and harder to find every year! Ready to display!
Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 35"
Blade Style: Single Edged Curved Saber with double Fullers
Overall length: 40 3/4“
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 36 1/2”
The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber (also known as the M1862 as this was when the first 800 were issued) was used by US cavalry from the American Civil War until the end of the Indian wars; some were still in use during the Spanish-American War. It was 41in long with a 35in by 1in blade and weighed 2 lb 4oz alone or 3 lb 10oz with iron scabbard.
During the Civil War there was no light or heavy cavalry in the US army. Instead there were "Dragoons" (founded 1830) "Mounted Riflemen", (founded c.1840) and "Cavalry" (founded 1856), distinguished by the orange, green or yellow piping on their uniforms. In 1861 these mounted regiments were renamed cavalry and given yellow piping.
The M1860 saber received its name to distinguish it from the larger and heavier Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber that it replaced. Like its predecessor it had a brass guard, leather-wrapped grip and steel scabbard but unlike the M1840 it was smaller and easier to handle.
By the end of the Civil War over 300,000 1860 sabers had been produced: 200,000 by Ames, 32,000 by Roby and many more by firms such as Tiffany and Co, Glaze, Justice, and Emerson and Silver. M1860s were carried not only by cavalry but also by many infantry and staff officers as the regulation Model 1850 Army Staff & Field Officers' Sword had to be privately purchased. High-ranking officers, like their European counterparts, often had their swords ornately engraved with gilding and foliage. Famous users included George Armstrong Custer and J.E.B. Stuart.
Later in the Civil War large cavalry charges became less common and the cavalry took on the role of skirmishers. Many replaced their sabers with extra revolvers, or left it in the saddle while fighting on foot with their repeating Henry rifles and Spencer carbines.
This is the sword the cavalry use in Westerns, many being original antiques purchased by the movie industry in the 1920s when surplus Civil War equipment was cheap.
This model is currently used in some U.S. Army Cavalry units in Color Guards, or when in period type uniforms. Most are given as PCS (Permanent Change of Station) or ETS (Expiration of Term of Service) gifts to a departing Cavalry Trooper. Usually engraved on the scabbard with his name, rank and dates of service. Some are also worn, in full Dress Blues, (when earned on a "Spur Ride" or combat tour) with Stetson and Spurs.
