US M1860 Cavalry Saber by Ames, Dated 1859

Description

The Ames Sword Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts delivered 5,000 Model 1860 Cavalry Sabers between September 29, 1859 and January 11, 1861 to the US Ordnance Department. Similar to the M1840 “Old Wrist Breaker”, but lighter, it was originally called the “New Pattern” M1860 Light Cavalry Saber. It features a cast brass two-branch guard and knuckle-guard attached to the Phrygian helmet pommel. Rim of pommel stamped with inspector’s initials “JH” (Joseph Hannis) in block letters and script “WAT” (William A. Thornton). Original leather grip wrap (complete, but flaking and partial seam separation) and a single turn of twisted brass wire. Original leather blade washer. The curved 35” single-edged blade features a broad 4/5 length fuller and shorter narrow fuller at the back edge. The ricasso stamped “AMES MFG CO/CHICOPEE./MASS.” in three lines, the reverse stamped “US/J.T./1859” in three lines. Iron scabbard with later black paint and two carry rings. Very few of these with 1859 dates were made and would have seen service throughout the Civil War, probably by US Army cavalry regiments rather than those raised by the states. There is no Ames inspector recorded with the initials “J.T.”, but the stamp is clearly “J.T.” and is not a re-strike (see photo). Very good condition other than listed above; the blade clean and smooth, with clear markings and light scratches. Overall length 41” (104 cm), not including scabbard.