Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very rare FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION example of the principal cavalry saber used in the U.S. Civil War of 1860-1865. As with many models or patterns, the production started prior to the acceptance. Also as the U.S. Fiscal year of the time started at July of the previous calendar year, swords made during the second half of the 1859 calendar year were made during U.S. fiscal year 1860. This example has the correct lighter blade with a rounded spine, and an oval throat on the scabbard.

The saber features all brass mounts, a wood with leather wrapped sword grip and fully intact bound brass wire wrap, and a nice steel scabbard. Additionally, the blade and scabbard were at some point fully nickel plated, probably post Civil War for parade use, and they really look great! The leather of the grip is in really nice shape, with the expected staining from use and age. There is also a bit of chipping on the surface in the finish, but no wear through to the wood of the grip.

The curved 35 inch blade's ricasso is marked on one side with the Ames standard address, which is still legible despite the refinishing:

AMES MFG Co
CHICOPEE
MASS.

The markings on the other side are a bit worn, but still fully legible: -

U.S.
G.G.S
1859

This indicates inspection by George G. Saunders, one of many inspectors working at Ames during the war. The blade is in great shape, with the nickel plating retained almost completely, still bright with just a few spots of oxidation. The edge of the blade has a few nicks and dents, but these look to be from before it was plated.

The three branch brass hand guard is in good shape, and has a lovely oxidized "mustard" colored patina, and just a few dents. There are no major bends or other damage present. There is an inspector JH on the pommel, for John Hannis, who inspected swords at Ames and several other manufacturers. There is also another partial marking that we do not recognize.

The saber comes with the original all steel-curved scabbard and complete with both mounting rings. The drag of the scabbard is not beaten up at all, with overall structural integrity excellent. The nickel plating is well retained, though it does show scattered pinprick holes in the plating.

Offered in very good 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
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.