Original Item: One Only. This is an original U.S. Civil War Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber, most likely manufactured by Emerson & Silver of Trenton, New Jersey, during 1864 or 1865. The saber exhibits considerable evidence of age and wear, retaining its original brass hilt, wire-wrapped leather grip, curved steel blade, and accompanying iron scabbard with both suspension rings. Although most of the original blade markings have been lost through wear and previous cleaning, the ricasso retains a visible U.S. stamp, while the pommel bears a deeply struck J.M. inspection marking associated with John Maggs, who inspected swords produced by Emerson & Silver during the final years of the Civil War. The pommel and handguard are also stamped with the matching number 55, an interesting surviving assembly or identification marking. Despite its heavily worn appearance, the saber retains a well-preserved grip and a blade free of significant edge damage, making it a representative example of a Union cavalry trooper's sword from the final years of the conflict.

The curved 35" blade's ricasso is marked on one side with U.S., but every other blade marking is now gone. Thankfully, the pommel of the sword is still stamped deeply with J.M. and 55, with the same 55 on the handguard. J.M. denotes inspection by John Maggs, who worked at Emerson & Silver in 1864 and 1865 only.

The brass hand guard exhibits an extremely tarnished patina, with a small bit of looseness. The blade buffer is retained but heavily worn, and the wire-wrapped leather grip is in great overall condition with the wire in good shape without any serious leather loss.

The saber comes with the original all steel curved scabbard complete with both mounting rings. Scabbard is in very good condition with some oxidation across the surface. There is minor denting.

This U.S. Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber is a representative survivor of the weapons carried by Union cavalrymen during the American Civil War. Its probable Emerson & Silver manufacture, identifiable John Maggs inspection stamp, and surviving federal and assembly markings provide important evidence of its production history. The heavily patinated brass hilt and previously cleaned blade reflect substantial age and handling, while the unusually well-preserved leather grip and complete steel scabbard retain much of the weapon's original configuration. Although no individual soldier or cavalry regiment can be associated with this example, the surviving markings and construction are consistent with a federally inspected saber from the 1864–1865 period, making it an interesting addition to collections focused on Union cavalry equipment and American Civil War edged weapons.

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 35"
Overall length: 41“
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 37 1/4”