This is a good example of the regulation U.S. cavalry saber introduced in 1833 to replace the old 1818 patterns when cavalry regiments were revived in the regular army. After abolishing mounted troops in the U.S. army after the War of 1812, one regiment of dragoons was authorized in in 1833 and a second in 1836. The government contracted with Ames to supply sabers and a total of 6,100 were delivered from 1835 through 1839 to arm these regiments and mounted units of state troops under the Militia Act of 1808, though there were additional direct purchases by some states and individuals. The new pattern saber was modeled after the British 1821/22 cavalry saber and fitted with a brass hilt with two side branches and knucklebow with a small loop to protect the thumb on the reverse. The grip was leather wrapped and bound with wire. The blade, secured by a spanner nut set into the flat pommel cap, was slightly curved and made with a quill back. These sabers were replaced by the heavier 1840 pattern, but remained in the hands of militia groups and some were reissued from southern state stores to cavalry at the start of the Civil War.

This example lacks its scabbard, but has a full leather grip wrap showing just surface wear and abrasion, and full twisted brass wire binding. No markings are visible, but the brass has a medium patina and the blade is smooth metal, silver gray in color, with darker gray age spotting. The point and edge are good. The blade pad is in place. The hilt is very good, though the offside loop has a slight indentation in the middle.

This is a good example of a U.S. regulation cavalry saber at a very affordable price. [sr] [ph:L]

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