July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2022
Very nice example of an Ames Model 1860 Cavalry Saber with cavalry markings. The sword is in the standard M1860 configuration, with a slightly curved blade, single fuller, and ricasso with typical Ames markings. The obverse ricasso is marked "US / J.C.W. / 1865" and the reverse is marked "Made by / Ames Mfg. Co / Chicopee / Mass" enclosed within an unraveled scroll. The guard, knucklebow, and pommel are all of brass with a center swelled, leather wrapped wood grip with double twisted brass wire resting nicely in the grooves of the grip. Like most M1860 cavalry sabers, the blade is relatively plain, however this example is marked "C 3-C 2C" denoting C Troop of the 3rd Cavalry. There is a small paper attached to the hilt which provides a brief combat chronicle of C Troop, 3rd Cavalry with dates that range from 1868-1900, also listing various engagements the regiment was present at. The chronicle was put together by the Hitman Historical Register. The 3rd Cavalry has accumulated a significant combat chronicle and the small paper only lists a small portion of engagements. These include various posts across the western frontier during the Indian Wars, to San Juan Hill on July 1-3, and various locations in the Philippines during the year 1900. The sword is complete with its steel scabbard. CONDITION: The blade exhibits a bright gray patina with scattered areas of pitting, spotting, and edge wear. The cavalry markings are somewhat faint but remain legible. Often with these swords, the scroll mark is usually very weak and partially worn down by the scabbard, and this example is no exception. The hilt exhibits a pleasing dark patina with scattered age spots. Grip exhibits cracks and areas of leather loss, especially towards the pommel. Hilt produces a slight wobble when handled. The scabbard exhibits a chocolate patina with areas of pitting. Overall good. While most M1860 sabers are plain, this is a nice example with attributions to a battle hardened cavalry regiment. JLD