Millard, of Clayville, NY, obtained a contract from the U.S. government for 10,000 cavalry sabers in December 1861. Like many contractors, he suffered from delays in production, but made good on his contract in the course of 1862. His sabers are regarded as well made and the early date and small number, by comparison, makes them sought after by collectors. This one shows legitimate field wear and use. The brass hilt is uncleaned and has deep aged patina with dark areas and some age spots. The grip wrap is there, but shows wear in places where the trooper’s hand has worn through it to the underlying wood core. The wire binding is complete and tight. The hilt itself is tight. The pommel and the blade tang show numerous dings, but it has not been apart. The blade pad is there. The oval Millard stamp on the ricasso is there and legible. It even shows a lighter false start by the worker, with a faint “D” and “J” above the fully struck mark. The US acceptance stamp and “C.E.W.” inspector initials are sharp. The 1862 date is soft on the last numeral, but they were all 1862 dated.

Like the hilt, the blade is uncleaned. It has a good edge with no nicks and a good point. The metal is smooth and shows some brightness under gray clouds and darker spots. The scabbard is smooth metal for the most part with just a little crustiness at the top and mostly shows its original brown. There are half a dozen dents or dings on either side of the scabbard giving it some character and showing the saber was carried a lot in the field, on the slings of a trooper’s saber belt.  [sr]

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