Here is a pre-Civil War Ames saber specimen and forerunner of the type issued to Federal horsemen during the War. Produced by the Chicopee, Massachusetts firm of Ames Sword Company, this weapon is the Model 1860 Light Cavalry saber that was initially called the ‘new pattern’ 1860 saber. This edged weapon is dated “1860” on the ricasso and was one of five thousand such ‘new pattern’ Model 1860 sabers that Ames delivered under its 1859 contract to the Ordnance Dept from 1859 through early 1861. Interestingly, by order of then U.S. Secretary of War John B. Floyd 1,200 sabers of this 5,000 unit batch of 1859 contract sabers were sent south to Virginia just prior to the war.

Considered a lighter, more maneuverable and finely made weapon than its predecessor the M1840 Wristbreaker, the light cavalry saber weighed 3lbs, 7 oz. in the scabbard. Blade length of the saber measures 34½”, width is 1 3/32” with a wide fuller 27½” long and the narrow fuller 18¼” long. Blade is slightly curved with a mottled medium gray sheen overall. Shows normal age discoloration and moderate rust pitting overall. Numerous edge nicks visible. Marked on the obverse riccasso is “____ / ____/ 1860.” Normal first two stamps (US and inspector mark) are not there but date is clear. This is a very good likelihood that this actual specimen is one of the 1200 sabers that went south and was carried by a rebel horseman. Reverse ricasso bears the horizontal, three-line pattern maker’s mark “AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE / MASS.” that is clear and visible.

Brass hilt retains its original leather washer and a domed pommel cap that bears no inspectors stamps on the brim. Brass two-branch guard and knucklebow are strong, tight and wear a pleasing light patina overall. Outer branch just slightly bent forward back and the quillon has been bent forward toward the blade back also. All brass wears old patina, never cleaned. The shallow grooved, center-swell wood handle grips feature dark brown leather wrap in dry and scuffed condition. Brass wire wrap is tight. Leather has slight cracking and loss at the bottom of pommel area.

The undented steel scabbard has acquired a dark plum patina along with moderate rust pitting and oxidation. Two ring mounts are tight and secure two 1 1/8” diameter sword rings. Of note is that the upper ring mount on the scabbard shows much wear at the fulcrum point indicating the soldier wore the saber and belt rig quite a lot of the time. Original scabbard retains its throat collar. Drag slipper exhibits some angle wear.

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