US MODEL 1860 LIGHT CAVALRY SABER DATED 1860
SOLD
This saber was manufactured by Ames Mfg. Co. Chicopee, Massachusetts in 1860 and is so marked on the ricasso. The blade measures 34 1/2 inches and is finished bright with molted light and dark areas. The markings are crisply struck and readable. The metal is smooth with no chips or dings. The brass hand guard and pommel cap have a mellow to dark uncleaned patina. The outer branch of the handguard is bent over the middle branch which is not unusual to find in well used sabers. The iron scabbard is complete with one slight dent just above the lower ring, however at some point in its lifetime it was painted silver and much of that paint remains. Some of the paint is molted away and the rest could possibly be removed. Most of the wood of the grip remains around the tang of the blade with a sliver missing from the lower edge. There are no remains of leather or wire wrap around the wood which also shows traces of the silver paint.
The overall condition of this saber is considered "attic relic". It appears not to have been messed with, altered, or improved upon in modern times. The silver paint could have been an attempt at preservation or most likely it may have been used after the War by GAR veterans for parades, ceremonies, or Meeting Hall decoration.
Documentation exist that shows that the entire run of 2,000 sabers made by Ames Sword Company in 1860 were sold under contract to the State of Virginia before the War and they are considered to be secondary Confederate weapons and therefore bring a premium in value. This fine Ames light cavalry saber and scabbard will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War edged weapon or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC6515
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