This is a regulation Civil War U.S. cavalry saber made in 1862, in time for most of the major battles and campaigns of the war, and a scarce date for the maker. First discussed in 1856 as a replacement for the heavier 1840 pattern, the new light cavalry saber actually went into production in 1857, though the Model 1860 designation among collectors has held on strong. This one was made by Mansfield and Lamb, who ran the factory town of Forrestdale, RI, with a cotton mill and scythe factory, the latter making the production of cavalry sabers easier than for most contractors. They produced all their own parts and focused on enlisted sabers, but still had production problems early on, producing some 27,000 sabers from 1863 to 1865, but fewer than 9,000 in 1861 and 1862.

This example is in good condition, showing field service, but has a nice mellow patina to the brass hilt and smooth pommel cap showing no dings from attempts to take it apart or tighten the blade. The wire binding on the grip is complete and in place. The leather wrap shows old wear spots and crackling, but no exposed wood. The blade pad is in place under the guard. The blade has a good edge and point. The reverse ricasso is marked: “Mansfield/ & / Lamb / Forrestdale RI” in an oval cartouche showing some wear at either end, but with no doubt about the mark. The obverse is inspected and dated: “U.S. / JH / 1862,” with just the first digit of the date rubbed.

The blade is a silvery gray mixed with some darker gray areas and small brown spots, but the point and edge are good and nobody has aggressively cleaned or tried to sharpen it. The scabbard retains its brown finish with rings, throat and drag in place and no large dents or dings, with good surface showing just some light freckling here and there on the body and expected pitting on the drag blade.

The Model 1860 was the quintessential Civil War cavalry weapon. This is a real veteran, with a scarcer date for the maker and a good early war example that likely saw use throughout the conflict. [sr] [ph:L]

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