Item:
ONSV3998

Original U.S Civil War 1860 Light Cavalry Saber by Rare Maker J.B. Allere with Steel Scabbard c. 1863

Item Description

Original Item: One Only. This is a fine Union cavalry trooper's curved M-1860 saber, made by a very rare maker! There is not much information on the maker J.B. Allere of Chicago, and the company seems to only have made swords in 1863 It is in very nice honest matured condition. The markings are clear and the brass hilt totally undamaged with a nice honest patina. The leather grip wrapping is still in place, though it is worn and a bit cracked. However no leather is missing, and the twisted brass wire wrapping is fully intatc. The saber comes complete with its original all steel scabbard, which has some light rusting to the exterior.

This is a 100% original M-1860 U.S. Cavalry Saber from the Civil War, marked on the blade with the simple maker mark k, which is complete: J.B.A. On opposite side of the 35" curved blade it is marked M, the usual markings seen on swords from this maker.

The only inspector mark on the sword is A.G.M. on the pommel cap, so this sword was inspected by Alfred G. Manning, who inspected finished swords from Allere during 1863 only. There is no inspector marking that we can see on the scabbard.

Blade condition is very good, with some bright steel, with the usual staining and peppering seen a blade of this age. The edge has not been sharpened from what we can see, and is free from major nicks, dents, and other issues. The original leather blade washer is still in place and fully intact.. The hilt is in beautiful condition, with a nice oxidized patina.

The saber comes with the original all steel-curved scabbard and complete with both mounting rings. The scabbard does not have any real dents or pinches, however the finish is worn, and there is some light surface rust overall. We have left it intact to preserve the patina.

Offered in wonderful collector's condition, swords from this maker are very seldom seen on the market! Ready to add to your collection!

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.

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