Here is a fine Providence Tool Company saber specimen issued to Federal horsemen during the American Civil War.  Produced by the Providence Tool Company of Providence, Rhode Island, this weapon is the Model 1860 Light Cavalry saber and was one of 10,434 sabers the produced under the U.S. government Ordnance Department contract of February 1862.  Lighter, more maneuverable and a better crafted weapon than its predecessor the M1840 Wristbreaker, the light cavalry saber weighed 3lbs, 7oz in the scabbard. 

Blade length measures 34¾”, width is 1 3/32” with a wide fuller 27½” long and the narrow fuller 18¼” long.  Curved blade shows normal age discoloration along with some scattered light pinprick rust-pitting overall and appears to have been cleaned.   Shows a pleasing gray scheen.  No edge nicks visible on the blade.  Marked thinly on the obverse riccasso is “U.S. / _ _ M / _862.”   Reverse ricasso bears the company blade address of “PROV. / TOOL / CO” in worn, light stampings.    The word ‘Providence’ has a backward slant.   Brass hilt with its two-branch guard and knucklebow is strong with a pleasing, dark reddish-bronze patina overall.  Outer branch exhibits a slight bend but is not cracked.  Brass hilt retains its original buff leather washer.  Domed pommel cap bears no inspector stampings. The center-swell handle grips feature the typical black leather wrap cover that is in very good original condition.  Original, brass, double twist wire wrap very tight.   

Steel scabbard has acquired a wonderful mottled gray patina.  Shows a small indent 5” from the drag.   Two ring bands are tight and suspend twin 1¼” OD diameter sword rings. Upper mount exhibits nice wear on the inside ring mount indicative of this rig being belted and worn heavily by the soldier.  Scabbard retains its throat collar and exhibits a brazed seam along the bottom length where the metal was folded and joined. Drag shows much angle wear and also inspector marks “JM” discernable on the scabbard.  This is a handsome Providence saber that would compliment any Civil War edged weapon display or collection.