The model 1860 was intended for just staff officers, but was immediately adopted by general officers and in 1872 became regulation for all officers but mounted officers of infantry, cavalry, light artillery, medical staff and paymasters. Springfield made just 5364 of them from 1873 to 1903, when it was replaced by the Model 1902 officer’s saber. This is a minty example with bright gilt brass hilt, a crisp blade with vivid, frosted etching, and brass mounted, nickled steel scabbard. All the motifs of the pommel, knuckleguard and counterguard are deeply cast, chased, and retain lots of the original gilding, with just a tad of rubbing to the narrow edge of the pommel cap. The sharkskin grip is in superb condition, dark gray in color with vivid gilt brass wire.

The blade is mint, with bright, with frosted panels setting off vivid etching. The diamond shaped, double edged blade is etched lengthwise on the obverse at the base, “Springfield / Armory / Springfield / Mass. USA,” followed by a panoply of arms with flags and floral motifs, leading up an Old English “U.S.” between a sunburst of rays with rounded ends, a finished with more floral motifs on either end of a small trophy arms that includes a small oval shield with the letters “U.S.” The frosted panel ends with an Arabesque flame point.

The other side has a short section of floral elements followed by a tall panoply of arms featuring a crossed cannon and shield under two tall crossed flags with a tall halberd headed spear rising up between, followed by floral sprays leading to an eagle set lengthwise with long, spread wings, with a “US” shield on its chest and long “E Pluribus Unum” scrolling ribbon below. Above that, floral motifs lead to a shield with “U.S” superimposed on two crossed swords, finishing with more floral elements that top the frosted panel that ends with an Arabesque flame point.

The scabbard, like the sword itself is mint, showing a subdued silver to the nickel, with no speckling, and bright gilding to the brass throat, correct second-type ring bands, and drag.

Kellerstedt indicates the etching on the blade is one of five patterns used by Springfield and dates it 1892-1903. This would make a superb example that would be tough to improve on in US edged weapons collection, or collection focusing on the late Indian Wars, Spanish American War and fighting in the Philippines.  [sr]

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