SCARCE 1859 DATED AMES LIGHT CAVALRY SABER, AKA MODEL 1860

$1,950.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2022-718

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

Old habits die hard. Although we now know production of the new pattern cavalry saber intended to replace the heavy Model 1840 started in 1857, most still refer to them as the Model 1860. This is a scarce example of one produced by Ames in 1859 and so marked on the obverse ricasso: US / G.G.S. (George G. Sanders) / 1859, with the three-line block form Ames address on the reverse: AMES MFg Co / CHICOPEE. / MASS.

The hilt has a nice untouched patina to the brass, with a few light age stains and no sign of re-peening or tightening to the pommel, along with a clear, “JH” inspector stamp on the rim of the pommel cap on one side and a script WAT on the other, but weak. The leather grip wrap is near excellent, with nice color and finish to the leather, showing only small wear spots on bottom. Wire wrap is missing. The blade pad is in place under the guard. The blade is smooth metal with good edge and point, and shows as a muted silver gray with some darker gray spots.

The scabbard is very good as well. It has a dark untouched patina with a small area of pitting midway between the lower mount and the drag. We suppose it could be cleaned, but like the undisturbed look. Throat, rings, and drag are all present. The drag shows no visible inspectors initials.

This was made under a March 19, 1859, contract for 5,000 sabers. Twenty-four hundred were delivered by September 1859 and another 1,200 by February 1860, most of which probably had 1859 dates. Despite a potential number of 3,600, these 1859 dated sabers are pretty tough to find, likely because they were issued early and saw lots of service. This would make a great addition to a cavalry display and likely fill a gap in an Ames collection. Did we mention we really like that old, brown lacquer finish on the scabbard?  [ss] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!



Inquire »

Inquire About SCARCE 1859 DATED AMES LIGHT CAVALRY SABER, AKA MODEL 1860

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

RARE USN GOSPORT NAVY YARD PRIMING FLASK

Gosport Shipyard was the original name of the facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, that was founded in 1767, passed into the hands of Virginia in the Revolution, was leased from that state by the U.S. government in 1794, purchased by them in 1801 and… (490-6824). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

23
Nov

Dec. 7 - 8: Middle Tennessee Civil War Show Learn More »

Instagram