Original Item: Only One Available. This is a strong service-used example of the U.S. Model 1906 Light Cavalry Saber, manufactured by the Ames Sword Company and dated 1906, complete with its correct all-steel scabbard. Closely based on the familiar Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber of Civil War and Indian Wars fame, the Model 1906 retained the long curved blade and traditional cavalry form while substituting a steel hilt for the earlier brass furniture. This example retains its original leather grip and wire wrapping, intact blade buffer, clearly legible U.S. inspection markings, and an attractive aged blade, while the hilt was unfortunately covered with black paint at some later date.

The M-1906 differed from the M-1860 in that the hilt was made from steel and not brass, otherwise they are nearly identical. This was the saber used in the Mexican Border Wars that lasted on and off from 1910 until 1919, during which the Mexican Rebel Leader Pancho Villa actually invaded the U.S. and attacked a U.S. Army Post in Columbus, New Mexico. Thereafter the U.S. Government took a sterner hand and sent Pershing in short order to settle the business once and for all.

The sword comes complete with the original all steel scabbard. The entire hilt has been overpainted in black. The blade bears manufacturers markings on the ricasso:

A.S.Co
(Flaming Bomb)
1906

A. S. Co. is the abbreviation for Ames Sword Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts, one of the largest independent producers of swords for the U.S. Military since the Civil War. They had made large numbers of the model 1860 Cavalry Saber. The reverse ricasso is marked U.S / J.H.C., for Army inspector James H. Clayton, whose inspection mark is documented on Ames Model 1906 cavalry sabers.

The blade on this example is in good condition, with a gorgeous overall patina, with no nicks in the edge. These blades were seldom used in actual combat, and were almost ceremonial, even right after they were approved. There is some spotted oxidation in spots on the blade, some of which has been cleaned away. The hilt is unfortunately covered with a later-added black overpaint. The leather grip is in fair shape, with heavy black paint residue, but it still has the original wire wrapping. The black paint on the hilt is worn in places with a lovely patina underneath. The leather blade buffer is also intact.

The scabbard is in fair shape, with the throat entirely intact with its two screws. The sword still sheaths fine. There are some dents and slight bending we can see, and an oxidized patina. There is some more advanced rust and past pitting across the body, but it definitely did a good job of keeping the blade well protected from the elements.

With its A.S.Co / 1906 maker marking, U.S. / J.H.C. inspection stamp, original leather grip and wire, intact blade buffer, substantial 35” curved blade, and correct steel scabbard, this is a strong example of the last traditional curved cavalry saber produced in large numbers for the U.S. Army. The later black hilt paint, oxidation, scabbard dents, and pitting are all important condition considerations, but the sword remains highly representative of an important transitional period in American mounted service.

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”