Description
Offered here is a fine Mansfield & Lamb saber specimen of the type issued to Federal horsemen during the American Civil War. Manufactured by partners Henry Mansfield and Estus Lamb in the village of Forestdale, Rhode Island, this saber was one of 37,500 edged weapons produced for the U.S. Ordnance Department by the firm during the war. An estimated 10,000 were manufactured in 1863.
The slightly curved saber blade measures 35” long, has a width of 1-1/16”, and has a 27” long, wide fuller and a narrow fuller 19” long. Blade features a nice mostly bright finish overall. Obverse ricasso is sharply marked with “U.S. / C.E.W. / 1863” while the reverse ricasso bears “MANSFIELD / & LAMB / FORESTDALE R.I.” with the reverse markings all contained in a large oval. There are no nicks on the blade edge. “C.E.W..” Inspector’s initials are the initials of the US Government military quality inspector, Charles E. Wilson.
Brass hilt remains tight. The high domed pommel cap bears inspector initials. Hilt retains a beautiful, mellow brass patina. Sword grip is the typical swelled leather covered handle with two-strand, twisted brass wire wrapped around the handle. Leather shows light wear. Wire twists are strong.
The steel scabbard has acquired a fine, dusky plum patina and has only a single small ding. Complete with two ring mounts, throat, and drag. The drag shows light wear but overall this is an exceptional specimen with a very bright blade and incredibly crisp markings.
This handsome piece would well represent the Civil War cavalryman’s weapon in any display or collection.
