Here is a fine quality saber of the type issued to Federal horsemen during the American Civil War. Produced under the smallest government contract for sabers (10,000) by the D. J. Millard Company’s manufacturing center in Clayville, New York, this early production weapon is the Model 1860 Light Cavalry saber.  Considered a lighter, more maneuverable weapon than its predecessor the M1840 Wristbreaker, the light cavalry saber weighed 3lbs, 7 oz in the scabbard.

The blade length of this weapon measures 34½”, width is 1 3/32” with a wide fuller 27½” long and the narrow fuller 18¼” long. Marked on the reverse ricasso is the maker’s address “D. J. MILLARD / CLAYVILLE / N.Y.” in a large oval. Obverse ricasso shows fine and clear government stampings of “US / C.E.W. (inspector Charles E. Wilson) / 1862”. The strong curved blade is not bent and appears to have been lightly cleaned at one time. It exhibits a shiny bright patina, along with just some scattered pin prick rust pitting overall. No edge nicks visible.

Brass domed pommel cap is tight and its brim exhibits government inspector’s marks “C.E.W.” and “W.E.H.”. Brass hilt with its two-branch guard and knucklebow is symmetrical, not cracked or bent.  Still has its original buff leather washer.  Hilt, which wears a rich, pleasing, uncleaned bronze patina overall is tight to the handle. The shallow grooved, center-swell grips feature black bridle leather wrap in very good original condition with no rips or tears but does show light scuffing. Brass wire wrap is original and still very tight. Steel scabbard is in excellent condition with no dents. Artifact has acquired a handsome dark brown / plum patina with few areas of dark oxidation and some pinprick-pitting overall. Drag exhibits no inspector marks.  A rare, early production D. J. Millard light cavalry saber with its original scabbard.

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