US MODEL 1860 CAVALRY SABER (SUPPLIED TO VIRGINIA IN 1860)

$2,150.00 SOLD
Originally $2,950.00

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 476-105

Principal markings: “AMES MFg Co CHICOPEE, MASS.” (manufacturer); “1860” (date of manufacture).

Manufacturer: N. P. Amex Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, MA.

Condition: Excellent+

Standard Model 1860 cavalry saber supplied to the State of Virginia in 1860. Ames manufactured 5,000 1860 sabers in 1860, but Secretary of War John B. Foyd (former VA governor and future Confederate general) instructed the company to send 1,200 to Virginia. The initial deliveries were not inspected by the army ordnance department and bear no inspector’s initials or “US”. Floyd subsequently discovered the sabers going to Virginia were not being inspected and corrected this practice in March 1860. All remaining sabers supplied to Virginia in 1860 are indistinguishable from those sent to the U.S. Army. The only Ames Model 1860 sabers that can be identified as having been supplied to Virginia are those devoid of standard inspector and “US” markings.

The bright, slightly curved blade has a surface that is bright and shows show only very minor amounts of mottling in two or three places and no pitting. Blade measures approx. 35.00 inches long with a stopped wide fuller that meas. approx. 27.50 inches long and a narrow fuller that is approx. 19.50 inches long. The blade edge has no nicks. Obverse riccasso is only marked “1860” with no sign of any other markings. The reverse ricasso bears a strong three-line maker’s mark that reads “AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE / MASS.”  The leather washer at the base of the ricasso is near perfect.

The brass two-branch guard and knucklebow are strong, tight and wear a pleasing mellow patina. The brass pommel cap is void of any markings. The shallow grooved, center-swell wood grip features a very nice medium brown leather that shows some light crazing but is otherwise in excellent condition. Brass wire wrap is tight. Scratched into the underside of the counterguard is “G. H.MERRYMAN.” The three initials are very pronounced while the rest of the last name is a bit light.

The original undented steel scabbard is bright with light scattered mottling. Both mounts and rings are present as are the throat and drag. Scabbard does not show any inspector’s marks.

Tracing George H. Merryman has proved difficult. As of this time no definite ID could be determined.

Very nice museum quality example of the Model 1860 saber with a rare date.   [sk/ad]

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