This war dated Mansfield & Lamb saber specimen is of the type issued to Federal horsemen during the last year of the American Civil War.  Manufactured by partners Henry Mansfield and Estus Lamb in the village of Forestdale, Rhode Island, this saber was one of 37,500 edged weapons produced for the U.S. Ordnance Department by the firm during the war.  The slightly curved saber blade measures 35” long, has a width of 1 1/16”, and has a 27” long, wide fuller and a narrow fuller 18½” long.  Blade features a stunning, mirror-like factory-bright finish overall and is free of any major blemishes.  Obverse riccasso is sharply marked with  “U.S. / J.M. / 1864” while the reverse ricasso bears “MANSFIELD / & LAMB / FORESTDALE R.I.” with the markings all contained in a large, thin oval.

Brass hilt, tight and strong, retains its original buff leather washer and has a inspector’s mark “JM” on the brim of the high domed pommel cap.  Brass hilt exhibits a mellow bronze patina. Saber exhibits the leather covered swelled grips with single-strand, twisted brass wire wrapped around the handle.  Original brown bridle leather covering wraps the handle and is in good condition.  Twisted brass wire around the grip is strong and slightly loose on two strands. Blade shows three small edge nicks and scattered areas of light oxidation overall.

The blade’s steel scabbard has been cleaned at one time and shows numerous small dents and dings.  The two ring mounts are tight and hold two 1¼” diameter sword rings.  A brazed seam is exhibited along the entire bottom length of the scabbard where the metal was folded and joined. No inspector marks visible at the drag.  This Mansfield & Lamb light cavalry saber is priced right and would certainly highlight any Civil War edged weapon collection.