This Mansfield & Lamb saber specimen is of the type issued to Federal horsemen during the last year of the American Civil War. Manufactured by partners Henry Mansfield and Estus Lamb in the village of Forestdale, Rhode Island, this saber was one of 37,500 edged weapons produced for the U.S. Ordnance Department by the firm during the war.  The slightly curved saber blade measures 35” long, has a width of 1 1/16”, has a 27” long, wide fuller and a narrow fuller 18½” long. Blade features a bright finish overall and is free of any major blemishes save for scattered pin prick pitting. Obverse riccasso is marked with  “U.S. / C.E.W. / 1865” while the reverse ricasso bears “MANSFIELD / & LAMB / FORESTDALE R.I.” with the markings in a large, thin oval.  Blade appears to have been cleaned. 

Brass hilt, tight and strong, retains its original buff leather washer and a high domed pommel cap which bears a rack numbers of “42E” and “65” stamped on the flat of the brim along with a portion of the government inspector mark “W.”  Brass hilt has not been cleaned and exhibits a dark bronze patina. Sword grips exhibit an original leather-covered, swelled handle with twisted brass wire wrapped around the handle. Twisted brass wire around the grip is tight. Steel scabbard has acquired a plum brown patina and is free of dents and dings. The two ring mounts are tight and hold two 1¼” diameter sword rings.  No markings are discernable at the drag.