A true 'attic find' is the best way to describe this handsome, well-preserved Civil War cavalry grouping that belonged to Corporal William Curran of the 1st New Jersey cavalry. A truly wonderful ensemble of artifacts, the set consists of Curran's original Ames Model 1860 light cavalry saber with scabbard, his buff leather sword knot, buff leather cavalry saber belt with both sword straps, original carbine cartridge box still attached to belt, matching M1851 eagle waist belt plate and keeper, his corporal’s commission and two letters from the US Pension office. Buff accoutrements were phased out early in the Civil War but they continued in service with countless Federal and Confederate horsemen throughout the conflict.

William Curran was a 19 year-old farmer from New Brunswick, New Jersey when he enlisted in Company "L", 1st Regiment, New Jersey Cavalry on September 9, 1861 at Trenton for a period of three years. Curran served with his unit until he was wounded by a minie ball in the left leg on November 27, 1863 during the Mine Run Campaign in VA. Hospitalized at Queen Street Hospital in Alexandria, VA until January 1864, he furloughed home and returned in late February when he re-enlisted as a Veteran Volunteer in the regiment. Curran participated in numerous engagements with his unit while it was assigned to the Army of the Potomac's Cavalry Corps. Private Curran was promoted to Corporal in early January 1865 and served until he lost part of his index finger and little finger during the Battle of Dinwiddie Court House / Five Forks, VA on March 31, 1865. After his wounding, Curran stayed in the field with his regiment and mustered out of service on July 24, 1865 at Vienna, VA. He returned home to New Jersey, raised a family and died on September 6, 1911.

With this superb grouping come William Curran's original service documents that include his Corporal's commission and two letters from the US Pension Office. In addition, his complete military and pension records from the National Archives in Washington DC accompany the artifacts. There is a distinct possibility that more information or material of this trooper may be forthcoming from the family at a later time.

This very fine, original, identified, cavalry sword rig, intact with all its components, is a highly desirable artifact in the collecting field today. If one seeks a quality, identified, wartime cavalry group, search no more - this is it.