Here is a fine, pre-war Ames saber specimen and forerunner of the type issued to Federal horsemen during the American Civil 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 “1859” 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, 1,200 of this batch of 5000 contract of 1859 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.

The blade length of this weapon 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 pleasing light gray scheen overall. Shows just normal age discoloration and some scattered pin prick rust pitting. One edge nick visible 12” down form the point. Marked clearly on the obverse riccasso is “U.S. / GGS. / 1859.” Reverse ricasso bears “AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE, / MASS.” in the early three line address that is clean and sharp. Brass hilt retains its original buff leather washer and a domed pommel cap that bears two inspectors stamps of “JH” and “WAT” on the brim. The brass two-branch guard and knucklebow are strong, tight and wear a pleasing mellow bronze patina overall. Branches not bent but the quillon has been bent far forward and comes within ¼” of the back of blade. The shallow grooved, center-swell handle grips feature the typical black, turned brown, bridle leather wrap covering in very good original condition with no rips or tears. Slight scuffing in spots.

The slightly dented steel scabbard has acquired a mottled plum brown-silvery patina. The two ring mounts are tight and secure two 1 1/8” diameter sword rings. Upper ring mount exhibits much wear at the inside fulcrum point and indicates the blade and scabbard were belted and worn by a trooper for quite a bit time to produce the ring-wear indent. Original scabbard retains its throat collar and exhibits a brazed seam along the bottom length of the scabbard where the metal was folded and joined. No inspector marks discernable on the scabbard drag but it does show a much worn edge. This is one of the early production Ames light cavalry sabers and possibly could be one of those 1,400 pieces that went south. Just cannot say for certainty but this blade has character and would certainly enhance any Civil War edged weapon collection or cavalry display. A good one.

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