{"product_id":"original-u-s-model-1860-light-cavalry-saber-with-scabbard-by-ames-upgraded-to-m1906-specs","title":"Original U.S. Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber with Scabbard by Ames - Upgraded to M1906 Specs","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice 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 wrapped sword grip and fully intact bound brass wire wrap, and a nice steel scabbard. The leather of the grip is mostly intact, but it does show age and very minor deterioration. The original leather blade buffer washer is still present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe curved 35 inch blade's ricasso is marked on one side with the Ames standard address, which is partly faded, missing the lowest line -\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMade by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAMES MFG Co\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCHICOPEE.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e[MASS.]\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne the other side it is marked-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG.W.C.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e 186(?)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last number is completely faded, possibly mis-struck at the factory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade has a bit of light peppering and staining, however it also still has a lot of the original bright finish, something we rarely see. It has a nice edge with only a few small nicks and no major damage. The three branch brass hand guard is in great shape, with some rack numbers stamped into the lower portion. There is an additional inspector \u003cstrong\u003eA.D.K.\u003c\/strong\u003e mark on the pommel for Andrew D. King who inspected swords\/sabers from 1840-1865. G.W.C. is for George W. Chapin, a Union Government Inspector assigned to the AMES sword factory during the period of the Civil War, who also inspected swords at Mansfield \u0026amp; Lamb in 1865.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 scabbard has developed a lovely patina from the years it sat in an attic collection. It also looks like it was lacquered at some point to protect it from oxidation. We have left it as is to preserve the patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in very good collector's condition, original Civil War Cavalry Swords are getting harder and harder to find every year! Ready to clean up or display as is!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlade Length: 35\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged Curved Saber with double Fullers\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 40 3\/4“\u003cbr\u003eBasket dimensions: 5\" width x 5” length\u003cbr\u003eScabbard length: 36 1\/2”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy 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 \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39727965569093,"sku":"ONJRNC043","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJRNC043__02.jpg?v=1642185018","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-model-1860-light-cavalry-saber-with-scabbard-by-ames-upgraded-to-m1906-specs","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}