This blade is a classic Civil War saber that was referred to as the “light cavalry” saber by the US Ordnance Department. A desirous and seldom seen, early war Ames contract Model 1860 cavalry saber issued to the Federal cavalry during the war. The possibility exists that this Ames contract saber, dated 1860, could be one of the 1,200 such dated blades that went south to Virginia prior to the Civil War.

Weighing just less than four pounds, the slightly curved blade measures 34 ½” long with a width of 1 1/16”, a wide fuller of 27½” and a narrow fuller of 19” long. Marked on the reverse ricasso of the blade is the three-line maker’s address in block style letters that reads “AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE / MASS”. Address is worn but clear and legible. Obverse ricasso bears only the date “1860”. Has no inspector marks or the familiar “US” on the ricasso. The strong steel blade is tight and straight and exhibits areas of dark, age discoloration and pinprick rust pitting overall. Blade wears a dusky mottled, salt & pepper gray patina. Appears to have been cleaned over the years.

The asymmetrical two-branch brass retains a mellow, untouched, dark bronze patina overall. Outer branch has been heavily bent forward at an extreme angle. The center-swelled, grooved and corded, wooden handle is covered with black bridal leather that shows overall cracking flaking and scuffing from age and use. Large 1” long piece of leather is missing near the pommel. Leather seam on the handle has dried and stretched apart along the seam. Grips wears a thin, double twisted brass wire that is wound around the handle. Brass wire is still tight. Cavalry saber is fitted with a brass pommel cap of the Phrygian design common on all M1860 sabers. Pommel brim exhibits no inspector marks.

Strong, steel scabbard is unadorned and has acquired a dark rusted and pitted surface with a dark plum colored patina. Sword mounts are strong and retain the original suspension sword rings. Scabbard is undented and the drag has no inspector stamp. This Ames-produced, 1860-dated light cavalry saber sure has the look of ‘being there’.

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