This weapon is a M-1860 Light Cavalry saber. Considered a lighter, more maneuverable weapon than its predecessor the M-1840 Wristbreaker. The sword is complete with scabbard and leather sword knot.  A stencil, a cdv image of the soldier and an old type written note accompany the sword.

The blade measures 33” long with a 27” long fuller. The blade is bright and in very good condition. The markings on the ricasso are: “EMERSON / & / SILVER / TRENTON / NJ” on one side and “US / D.F.M. / 1864” on the other side. The leather grip remains in place with moderate wear to the raised areas. The twisted wire wrap is complete and securely in place. The pommel cap and three-branch knuckle guard are complete and tight. The brass pieces have a beautiful mellow patina. The pommel cap bears the same DFM inspector’s initials. Leather washer remains.

Suspended from the knucklebow is an original leather sword knot. There is moderate surface wear and some loss of finish but the leather remains soft and flexible. Tassels are long gone. Gaylord manufacturing stamp remains visible.

Iron scabbard is in similar very good condition as the sword. Semi-bright surface with just minor age spotting and only one very small ding. Throat, rings, and drag all in nice shape. The drag shows light “dragging” wear at the bottom edge and has worn DFM initials.

Also included are a CDV photograph of Wilson. It is an oval bust view on a plain mount with no backmark. Signed in ink “J.C. Wilson / Sergt.  “K”..”. Nice clear image of him and a portion of the 15th’s distinctive piped uniform coat is visible.  Next is a stencil for Wilson. Measuring 2 ¼” x 1 ¼” it is cut to read “J.C. Wilson / Co. K. 15. Pa. Cav.” In excellent condition.

Lastly is an old type written note that reads, “This sword was issued in 1864 during the Civil War to Captain [crossed out with SGT written in] J.C. Wilson of Corry, PA.  Company K. 15 Pa. Cavalry.  Early in the war Capt. Wilson went to eastern Ohio where he knew of a group of Marovian settlers (a religious sect) and encouraged the young men of that sect to enlist in the war efforts with the north, which they did enlist in the state of Pennsylvania and Capt. Wilson name and Company appear on a Civil War monument located in Bellefonte, Pa.   I secured this sword from Capt. Wilson’s last surviving kin, a daughter, Miss Wilson, a retired school teacher of 159 Park St. Corry, Pa.   Walter Bleakley Edinboro, Pa. Jan, 1968”.

John C. Wilson enlisted on October 3, 1862 in the 15^th Pa. Cavalry. He was promoted to Corporal at the end of that very month and promoted to Sergeant in March of 1863. He mustered out in June of 1865 in Nashville, TN.  Wilson died in Corry, PA in 1928 at the age of 88, and is buried there in Pine Grove Cemetery.    [jet]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!