Description
This is a fine example of the pre-War light cavalry sword designated as the US Model 1860. Of the estimated 5,000 produced, many of these were shipped to the State of Virginia prior to the Civil War.
- Production Context: These were originally known as the “new pattern” light cavalry saber (precursor to the M1860 designation) to replace the heavier M1840 “Wrist Breaker”.
- 1859 Dating: While the contract was for 5,000, reports indicate that roughly 3,600 of these were actually stamped with the “1859” date, with the remainder of the 5,000-unit contract likely dated 1860 or early 1861.
- Delivery Timeframe: The 5,000 sabers were delivered between September 29, 1859, and January 11, 1861.
- Key Markings: These early models often feature “US / JH / 1859” (JH for inspector Joseph Hannis) on the obverse ricasso and “Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee, Mass.” on the reverse.
- Pre-War Sales:, of this specific 5,000-saber contract, 1,200 units were sent to Virginia in February 1860, just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War.
