Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of the principal cavalry saber used in the U.S. Civil War of 1860-1865, complete with an original leather sword knot. It features all brass mounts, a wood with leather wrapped sword grip and fully intact bound brass wire wrap, and a nice steel scabbard. The leather of the grip shows age and discoloration, and there is definite wear through to the wood in areas. The original twisted wire brass wrapping is still in great shape.

This is a 100% original M-1860 U.S. Cavalry Saber from the Civil War, marked on the curved 35 inch blade's ricasso with:

U.S.
J.H.
1862

This indicates inspection in 1862 by John Hannis, who worked several different manufactures during the Civil War era. The other side, where the maker mark would usually be, is worn, so there is no maker present. The only other marking we can find is a GGS inspection mark on the pommel, for George G. Saunders., who worked at Mansfield and Lamb during 1862 ONLY, which is also the only year that John Hannis worked there. With this, we can say that this sword was almost certainly produced by Mansfield and Lamb of Forestdale, Rhode Island.

The blade is in very good service used condition, showing that this was a sword that did not spend its life in a depot. We can see evidence of past cleaning to remove corrosion, which is probably how the maker markings were removed, and why the other markings are relatively faint. The edge shows some nicks and dents consistent with real field use, and overall the finish shows a mottled oxidized patina.

The three branch brass hand guard is in good shape, and has a lovely oxidized orange patina, and just a few dents and bends. The attached leather sword knot is in great shape, with great color and just a bit of minor cracking.

The saber comes with the original all steel-curved scabbard and complete with both mounting rings. The drag of the scabbard is not beaten up at all, with overall structural integrity excellent. There are a few small dents, and the scabbard has a lovely lightly oxidized patina, with no major rust or scaling.

Offered in very good collector's condition, original Civil War Cavalry Swords are getting harder and harder to find every year. This would be a fantastic addition to any U.S. Civil War Edged weapon collection.

Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 35"
Blade Style: Single Edged Curved Saber with double Fullers
Overall length: 40 3/4“
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 36 1/2”

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.