Although still known for convenience by collectors as the M1860 light cavalry saber, Ames was in talks with U.S. Ordnance for its production in late 1856 and started deliveries in 1857. This is a very scarce 1858-dated example, the first ones actually dated, produced after Ames ironed out some production kinks that resulted in a high rejection rate in the first contract, and this one still preserves its original first pattern scabbard, made of somewhat thinner metal than later versions and a with a flat topped throat.

Ames’s 1857 contract was for 1,000 sabers, of which almost half were rejected and had to be replaced by the company. This may have led to the government covering itself by ordering 500 of the older 1840 pattern when it gave Ames a second contract for 800 of the new pattern on 14 April 1858. This sword was almost certainly in this second contract, inspected on October 18, 1858, by William A. Thornton and John Hannis. A few 1858 dates may have made their way into the third contract of 24 November 1858, the first swords of which were delivered in March 1859, but Hannis was assigned to the Colt factory immediately after the October 1858 inspections at Ames, perhaps explaining an 1858 example illustrated by Johnson with no “JH” on the pommel. In either case, this is darned early.

The saber has the correct inspector stamps “J.H.” and “W.A.T” on the brim of the pommel cap, the former of which is repeated on the obverse ricasso of the blade: “US / JH / 1858.” The reverse bears the correct three-line block letter maker stamp: “AMES MFG CO / CHICOPPEE / MASS.” The scabbard drag is too pitted to be certain of the inspector stamp, but we see some traces and the scabbard is the correct flat-throated version predating June 1859.

The condition of the saber is very good. The brass hilt has an undisturbed mellow patina. The grip has full leather with the correct top seam and full wire. There are no bends to the guard or branches. The blade pad is long gone. The ricasso markings are strong. The blade edge and point are very good. The surface is smooth metal showing some substantial semi-bright areas with a mix of muted silver and some gray. The scabbard is complete and solid, with no holes, but has substantial pitting. It also has a dent on the obverse about half way between the lower ring band and the drag. These are usually described as “rattle dents,” which we do not think have yet been documented, but show up with enough regularity to be credible as efforts to decrease the noise of a loose saber in the scabbard and keep it seated more securely when sheathed. In any case, the scabbard was fortunately not replaced over the years since it is the early pattern issued with these sabers.

This is a very scarce, early Ames light cavalry saber that would have seen service in the early Indian Wars and throughout the Civil War. 1858-dated examples are hard to find and a rare in any collection.  [sr] [ph:L]

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