Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of the principal cavalry saber used in the U.S. Civil War of 1860-1865. It features all brass mounts, a wood with leather (split) wrapped sword grip, although the wire and most of the leather is gone now. There is wear to the wood of the grip with a chunk missing at the top near the crossguard, with many splits in the wood. The scabbard is absent.

The curved 35 inch blade's ricasso is marked on one side with:

MANSFIELD
&
LAMB
FORESTDALE. R.I.

The markings on the other side are also a bit worn, but much more legible: -

U.S.
J.C.W.
1864

J.C.W. is the marking of an unnamed Union inspector who inspected Mansfield & Lamb cavalry sabers in 1864 only. In 1865 J. C. W. apparently moved to AMES and inspected swords there. 

The blade is worn, with nicks and chips in the edge. Despite this, it has developed a very beautiful patina. The three branch brass hand guard is in good shape, and has a lovely oxidized patina, and just a few dents.

Offered in fair collector's condition, original Civil War Cavalry Swords are getting harder and harder to find every year. This would be a fantastic addition to any U.S. Civil War Edged weapon collection.

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

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.