Original U.S. Civil War New Jersey Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber with Scabbard by Ames of Chicopee, Mass. - Dated 1862 - Broken Scabbard Throat

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the principal cavalry saber used in the U.S. Civil War of 1860-1865. It features all brass mounts, a wood with leather wrapped sword grip and fully intact bound brass wire wrap, and a nice steel scabbard which is damaged, as the throat is disconnected and should be reattached. The leather of the grip is intact, as is the washer on top of the guard, and the ricasso of this example is stamped N.J. denoting issue to New Jersey state troops during the Civil War. 

The curved 35 inch blade's ricasso is marked on one side with almost no remains of the banner style Ames address, which is extremely faint and difficult to see in photos -

MADE BY
AMES MFG CO.
CHICOPEE
MASS

On the other side it is marked-

N.J.
1862

N.J denotes issue to New Jersey Cavalry troops. The blade is in good condition, without any serious edge nicks we can see, as well as areas of staining and light pitting from being cleaned over the years. This is certainly what wore away the majority of the Ames banner.

The saber comes with the original all steel-curved scabbard and complete with both mounting rings, but the throat piece has broken off of the scabbard and stays on the blade when the scabbard is removed. It will need to be glued/soldered back on. There is some heavy oxidizing in spots, but otherwise it is very nice besides the damage, with a nice gray patina.

Offered in service-used condition, original Civil War Cavalry Swords are getting harder and harder to find every year! Just needs repairing to the scabbard.

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.