Antique 1863 Civil War Ames Sword Company Light Cavalry Saber and Scabbard. The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber (also known as the M1862) is a long sword made of steel and brass, used by US cavalry from the American Civil War until the end of the Indian Wars. The M1860 saber received its name to distinguish it from the larger and heavier Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber that it replaced. Like its predecessor it had a brass guard, leather-wrapped grip and steel scabbard but unlike the M1840 it was smaller and easier to handle.

Condition: Commensurate with age. 

Size: 32 x 5 x 4 1/2 in. 

#9474 . 

The iron scabbard on this piece has two loops to fit onto a soldier's uniform, with a tabbed end, and a steel interior, with heavy rust throughout the exterior. The curved blade itself is in excellent shape with minor discoloration and no rust, marked on the ricasso with the manufacturer from Chicopee, Massachusetts on one side and the year 1863 and A.D.K. on the other, meaning Andrew D. King, the head manufacturer for Ames during the War years. Hardly any divots along the edge or tip and a perfect point, indicating that this piece rarely saw bloody combat and was primarily more for ceremony. The design of the fuller on the blade and the brass pommel distinguishes this as the light cavalry sword as opposed to the more ornate and much more cumbersome heavy cavalry sword. No back strap on the handle, just knurling and grips cover the tang with artfully curved bars leading to the guard. A few marks on the underside of the guard suggests they were initials carved in by the original owner, though they are illegible now. All in all, a stunning example of one of the finest manufacturers of swords in the United States during its bloodiest and costliest conflict. 

Commensurate with age.