This Model 1860 light cavalry saber is the type of edged weapon issued to Federal cavalrymen during the Civil War. Purchased from the family in 1960, family lore indicated that John Zortman carried this saber during his enlistment as a trooper in the 20^th PA Cavalry during 1864 and 1865. The 20^th PA Cavalry, a six months regiment was reorganized as a three year regiment in early 1864. Assigned to Company B, Private John Zortman enlisted on February 4, 1864 and mustered into the company the same day at Harrisburg or at Philadelphia.  The regiment reported to General Sigel in the Shenandoah Valley where it engaged the enemy at New Market, Staunton, New Glasgow, Lynchburg and Salem, VA. The 20^th was assigned to the 2^nd Bde of the 1^st Cav Division when General Sheridan took command in August 1864.  The 20^th rode on Sheridan’s raids and joined the army in the siege of Petersburg, VA. Zortman served with the 20^th in all its actions until it consolidated with the 2^nd PA cavalry to form the 1^st Pennsylvania Provincial cavalry on June 17, 1865. He later mustered out with the 1^st PA Provincial cavalry on July 13, 1865 at Cloud’s Mill, Virginia.

Produced by the Forestdale, Rhode Island firm of Mansfield & Lamb, this finely crafted light cavalry saber with a blade length that measures 34½” with a width of 1 3/32” and features a wide fuller 27½” long and a narrow fuller of 18¼” long.  The slightly curved blade bears a light gray mottled finish with light scattered pitting and some discoloration age marks. Marked clearly on the obverse ricasso is “U.S. / J.C.W. / 1864”. Reverse ricasso bears a strong oval stamp with “MANSFIELD  / & / LAMB  / FORESTDALE, RI” clearly marked.

The tight, brass hilt does not appear to have been cleaned and still retains its original buff leather washer.  Grips feature the typical, leather covered, carved wooden handle with the two-strand twisted brass wire wrapped around the handle, all in very good condition.  The black bridle leather covering is in tight condition with light cracking and some scuffing.  A high domed pommel cap in the Phrygian pattern tops the handle and bears the inspector stamping of “CEW” on the pommel brim. All brass has a mellow bronze patina.

The fine, original steel scabbard retains its throat piece and wears a pleasing dark plum / gray patina. Inspector marks “J.C.W.” are clearly discernable on the nicely worn drag.  Sword mounts are tight and secure the twin iron sword suspension rings.  Upper mount shows ring wear indicating that the saber was belted and much used.   Visible along the entire bottom length of the scabbard is the brazed seam where the metal was folded and joined. Accompanying this family-id’s saber are cursory records from the CivilWarData.com database.  A very good identified, complete saber that would compliment any military saber display or cavalry collection.