Description
This sword is fresh to the collector market, having surfaced in an estate in Nevada just weeks ago. From the paint on the scabbard, it was likely on display in a Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) veteran hall. The blade is about MINT and the grip retains full leather and twisted wire wrap. Made under government contract in Forestdale, Rhode Island, it was one of the last of that pattern of swords ever manufactured in the United States.
This Mansfield & Lamb saber is a fine specimen of the type issued to Federal horsemen during the American Civil War. It was 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.
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 mottled finish overall. Obverse ricasso is sharply marked with “U.S. / C.E.W. / 1865” 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.
Brass hilt remains tight. The high domed pommel cap bears the same inspector initials found on the ricasso. The hilt retains a beautiful, mellow brass patina. The sword grip is the typical swelled leather covered handle with two-strand, twisted brass wire wrapped around the handle. The leather shows light wear and the wire wrapping is strong and tight.
