Original Item: One Only. This is a genuine imported Union cavalry trooper's curved M-1860 saber. It is in very good condition with expected wear from age and storage. The markings at the base of the blade are fairly clear, and the brass hilt is in great shape, with a lovely patina. The leather grip binding is missing with remnants of the brass wire wrap, with a bit of wear. The saber comes complete with the correct matched all steel scabbard, which is also in nice shape.

This is a quality, J. E. Bleckmann saber specimen of the type issued to Federal horsemen during the American Civil War. It is believed that Ames imported 10,000 Bleckmann sabers early in the War. One group of 5000 was ordered in July 1861, the other 5000 in October 1861. They were delivered in various lot sizes between October 1861 and mid 1862. Apparently 50 officer sabers were also included in the first batch of 5000. A Bleckmann saber will fit into an Ames scabbard and vice versa. These sabers were apparently used to help fill Ames's contracts with the Federal government.

The slightly curved saber blade measures 34" long, has a width of 1 1/16", has a 27" long, wide fuller and a narrow fuller 18½" long. Blade leather buffer washer is still present, though worn from age.

This Model 1860 U.S. Cavalry Saber from the Civil War is marked on the blade ricasso inside an oval with a J. B. and a Bow and Arrow in the center of the initials. There are no other inspection marks we can see.

Condition overall is quite nice, with the expected wear of age. The blade is very nice, with only a bit of staining, and no pitting.. There is not any major damage to the edge of the blade. The Scabbard is quite nice, with no real denting that we can see, and a great oxidized steel patina.

A nice honest Civil War M1860 Light Cavalry Saber, ready to display!

Approximate Dimensions:

Blade Length: 34"
Blade Style: Single Edged Curved Saber with double Fullers
Overall length: 40“
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 35”

The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber (also known as the M1862 as this was when the first 800 were issued) was used by US cavalry from the American Civil War until the end of the Indian wars; some were still in use during the Spanish-American War. It was 41in long with a 35in by 1in blade and weighed 2 lb 4oz alone or 3 lb 10oz with iron scabbard.

During the Civil War there was no light or heavy cavalry in the US army. Instead there were "Dragoons" (founded 1830) "Mounted Riflemen", (founded c.1840) and "Cavalry" (founded 1856), distinguished by the orange, green or yellow piping on their uniforms. In 1861 these mounted regiments were renamed cavalry and given yellow piping.

The M1860 saber received its name to distinguish it from the larger and heavier Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber that it replaced. Like its predecessor it had a brass guard, leather-wrapped grip and steel scabbard but unlike the M1840 it was smaller and easier to handle.

By the end of the Civil War over 300,000 1860 sabers had been produced: 200,000 by Ames, 32,000 by Roby and many more by firms such as Tiffany and Co, Glaze, Justice, and Emerson and Silver. M1860s were carried not only by cavalry but also by many infantry and staff officers as the regulation Model 1850 Army Staff & Field Officers' Sword had to be privately purchased. High-ranking officers, like their European counterparts, often had their swords ornately engraved with gilding and foliage. Famous users included George Armstrong Custer and J.E.B. Stuart.

Later in the Civil War large cavalry charges became less common and the cavalry took on the role of skirmishers. Many replaced their sabers with extra revolvers, or left it in the saddle while fighting on foot with their repeating Henry rifles and Spencer carbines.

This is the sword the cavalry use in Westerns, many being original antiques purchased by the movie industry in the 1920s when surplus Civil War equipment was cheap.

This model is currently used in some U.S. Army Cavalry units in Color Guards, or when in period type uniforms. Most are given as PCS (Permanent Change of Station) or ETS (Expiration of Term of Service) gifts to a departing Cavalry Trooper. Usually engraved on the scabbard with his name, rank and dates of service. Some are also worn, in full Dress Blues, (when earned on a "Spur Ride" or combat tour) with Stetson and Spurs.