This Civil War artifact is a seldom-seen Collins & Company enlisted Model 1860 light cavalry saber produced by the Collinsville, Connecticut firm in 1862. Often referred to as the 1840 / 1860 transition model, the hilt is a Model 1860 type with a central swell to the grip while the guard is a M1860 as well. The blade is a model 1840 with a slightly rounded flat back and has the typical 1840 hatchet tip. Blade measures 35¼” 1 1/8” wide with a 25” wide fuller and a 19” narrow fuller. Blade has the almost flat back. Reverse ricasso is plain and unmarked. Obverse ricasso bears the four-line maker address of “COLLINS & CO HARTFORD / CONN / 1862.” It is believed that Collins made blades only and had others mount them.

The brass hilt has the Phrygian-style, low pommel cap and dome. Grips are center swelled, leather covered with brass double twist wire wrapped around the wood handle. Hilt, grips, and brass wire wrap are tight. No stampings or inspector marks are visible on the hilt or pommel. Steel, slightly curved blade in very good condition with just light moderate pitting about two inches below the blade tip. All brass wears a pleasing, mellow bronze patina overall. Unfortunately, nothing is known with certainty on the numbers of blades or complete sabers made by Collins.

Metal scabbard is the typical M1840 model and measures about 37¾” long. Has no markings. Two ring mounts spread 7½” apart. Throat opening is flat with internal flat springs on each side. Drag shows light to moderate edge wear. No dents. A seldom seen, very good condition, Collins & Company enlisted man’s cavalry saber with scabbard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!