Original Item: Only One Available. This is an interesting U.S. Civil War-era Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber manufactured by Providence Tool Company of Providence, Rhode Island, complete with its steel scabbard. Unlike the government-accepted Providence Tool sabers normally encountered with U.S., inspector, and date markings, this example is marked only PROV. TOOL CO. on one side of the ricasso and bears no visible government inspection or acceptance stamps anywhere on the blade, hilt, or scabbard. Its exact original disposition is therefore uncertain, but the absence of federal acceptance markings makes it an unusual variation of Providence Tool’s Civil War-era cavalry saber production.

The curved 34 ⅞ inch blade's ricasso is marked on one side with:

PROV. TOOL CO.

There are no other markings on the blade, hilt, or scabbard. The blade looks to be in fair shape overall without any serious staining, though there is moderate edge-nicking across its length.

The three branch brass hand guard is in fair shape, but there is heavy blackening of the brass on top of the crossguard, and we are unsure if it can be cleaned. The leather blade buffer is retained. The saber comes with the original all steel-curved scabbard and complete with both mounting rings. The scabbard has heavy oxidation pitting with a few areas of brightness. The seam of the scabbard is visible as the finish looks to be brass. The saber goes in and out without issue but there is little inside the scabbard keeping the saber tight when inserted.

This example is particularly interesting for the combination of its Providence Tool Company manufacture, standard M1860 Light Cavalry Saber configuration, surviving original grip components and blade washer, steel scabbard, and complete absence of the U.S. government acceptance markings normally found on Providence Tool’s documented 1862 military-contract sabers. While its exact original sales or issue history cannot presently be determined, those unusual markings make it a worthwhile subject for further study alongside known government-accepted Providence Tool examples.

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 34 7/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged Curved Saber with double Fullers
Overall length: 40 3/4“
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 36 1/8”

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.