This is an extremely rare 1860 Cavalry Saber Ames first contract of 1857. Reports from the field were that the US Cavalry was unhappy with the Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber, commonly referred to as the "Old Wrist Breaker". Troopers wanted a lighter, more maneuverable saber, so the Ordnance Department contracted the Ames Company to produce the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber. This saber had a blade that was shorter, thinner and narrower than the Model 1840. It was accompanied by a scaled down scabbard. In 1857 Ames was required to send sample patterns of the new saber. The saber was modeled after the French Model 1822 Cavalry Saber. Ordnance Department records show the first 1000 sabers were substandard, with 491 of them being rejected for inferior blades. This sword is discussed in John Tillman's book "Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers" pages 79 - 80. Tillmann references an article in "Man at Arms" magazine written by Paul Johnson that covers this extremely rare variant of Cavalry Saber in detail. The differences between the 1857 and 1860 models covers overall length, blade length, scabbard length, blade width, combined weight, saber weight and scabbard weight. A copy of the "Man at Arms" magazine dated October 2001 accompanies this sword. It satisfies all requirements to be termed a first contract 1857 Light Cavalry Saber. But wait, it doesn't stop there. This very sword was inspected by Paul Johnson in February, 2009 and in his opinion it is one of the one thousand 1857 swords produced. At the writing of the magazine article there were three known 1857 sabers. After consulting with Mr. Johnson the count is now 10. Now that all the impeccable provenance has been established, the sword itself is in incredible condition. The blade is free of nicks or any other damage. It has a graying silver patina, with some black age spots scattered along the blade. The original leather washer is still present. The brass hilt has an eye pleasing golden patina, with the pommel cap having a little darker patina. The knuckle bow is stamped 49 on the left side near the pommel cap. The pommel cap itself is stamped 56 and has the magic inspector stamps of ADK and R.H.K.W. The original leather wrap and double strand wire are still reporting for duty. While the wire is tight to the grip, at the top of the grip at the pommel end a few small areas of the leather have worn away. The only flaw with this hard to find combination is the scabbard. The 1857 scabbards were unique to that variation, and the one that came in with this sword is for the regular Model 1860. It is in good condition, dent free and has a dull gray patina. The top suspension mount shows significant wear and the drag has a faint US stamped on the outer side. The throat is not the one found on the 1857 scabbards. That said, it will accompany the sword along with the "Men at Arms" magazine dated October 2001 and autographed by Paul Johnson and the inspection letter he wrote on this very sword dated 14 February, 2009. If you collect Cavalry Sabers your collection will never be truely complete without this one. With 10 known, act fast as this one will not be around long!

Item # AA1017

(Sold)