My New Saber

[Richard E. Schenk]

I just bought a M1860 Ames cavalry saber dated 1860. It is likely one of the 1200 sabers Buchanan's Secretary of War, John Floyd, directed be sent to Virginia in early 1860. Most 1860-dated Ames cavalry sabers have the normal inspection markings, i.e. "U.S./(inspector's initials)/1860", but this one just has just the date. John Thillmann, in his book Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers, suggest these sword with no inspector's marks were early shipments made before Ames received the memo from Chief of Ordnance Craig instructing them that the Virginia swords were to be inspected in the same manner as usual, and that Virginia would pick up the cost for the inspections.

I probably paid too much. I placed a maximum bid of $1111.11, but really expected it would sell for less than a thousand. I was wrong - the runner-up bid $1100. Oh well, I really did want this one. These Virginia Ames sabers all went to JEB Stuart's cavalry, which probably makes this the only Confederate cavalry saber I could afford.

One question: There appears to be a dot stamped at the end of the date. I seem to recall reading somewhere that this had some significance, but I cannot recall what it is. Do any of you Forum members know?

 

[UCVRelics]

Nice one. Look on the pommel cap and the drag and see if there are any markings,

 

[captaindrew]

Very nice!

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

Nice one. Look on the pommel cap and the drag and see if there are any markings,

Assume you are referring to inspector marks. Haven't received the sword yet, but supposedly there are none, and none are seen in the photos. I will be very surprised (and disappointed) if there are any.

 

[civilken]

you have your self a beautiful saber I will say that with pride because I have one just like it on my wall. Beautiful I hope you will enjoy it. It's one of the first things I point out to people when they come into my Civil War room.

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

you have your self a beautiful saber I will say that with pride because I have one just like it on my wall. Beautiful I hope you will enjoy it. It's one of the first things I point out to people when they come into my Civil War room.

Thanks! Does your sword also have only the date, no inspector initials?

Maybe I didn't overpay so much after all - I see Horse Soldier up in Gettysburg has one for $1595 which is not in as good of condition. But of course while Horse Soldier is noted for having a lot of nice things, it is not noted for its bargain prices.

 

[UCVRelics]

Thanks! Does your sword also have only the date, no inspector initials?

Maybe I didn't overpay so much after all - I see Horse Soldier up in Gettysburg has one for $1595 which is not in as good of condition. But of course while Horse Soldier is noted for having a lot of nice things, it is not noted for its bargain prices.

No he doesn't but then again he's in Gettysburg

 

[Patrick H]

Well....I don't know anything about your new/old saber, but it looks very nice to me, so congratulations!

 

[Jobe Holiday]

The 1860 dated examples are very scarce to begin with. The better the condition, the less likely they were to have seen service with the 1st Regiment Virginia Cavalry, who received about 1,000 of the 1,200/+ or so issued in 1860. The Virginia 1860 issued swords, when they become available, show extreme amounts of use, abuse, and wear.
J.

 

[mofederal]

That is a very nice looking M1860 Ames cavalry saber. It looks to be in pretty great shape. Thanks for posting this beautiful weapon. Congratulations on the new addition to your collection.

 

[SEHatfield]

Very nice, I hope it turns out to be just what you wanted.

S

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

The 1860 dated examples are very scarce to begin with. The better the condition, the less likely they were to have seen service with the 1st Regiment Virginia Cavalry, who received about 1,000 of the 1,200/+ or so issued in 1860. The Virginia 1860 issued swords, when they become available, show extreme amounts of use, abuse, and wear.
J.

You are right, of course. The same is true of any sword which was not issued for purely ceremonial purposes. It is impossible to know the circumstances which led to one sword surviving in better condition than others of its cohort. I do not think it is impossible that a sword issued to the 1st VA survived in decent shape. I see Virginia Manufactory swords shortened for CW use, as well as other unquestionably Confederate used swords in decent shape. Since it is not impossible, I prefer to think my sword could well have been so issued. May be a bit self delusional, but I have my hopes...

 

[Package4]

You are right, of course. The same is true of any sword which was not issued for purely ceremonial purposes. It is impossible to know the circumstances which led to one sword surviving in better condition than others of its cohort. I do not think it is impossible that a sword issued to the 1st VA survived in decent shape. I see Virginia Manufactory swords shortened for CW use, as well as other unquestionably Confederate used swords in decent shape. Since it is not impossible, I prefer to think my sword could well have been so issued. May be a bit self delusional, but I have my hopes...

Very nice, I have two identified Confederate used swords that are in similar shape and my thought is that they were not utilized as much as a carbine and pistols, thus surviving in decent shape. Neither is an Ames 1860, but an Ames 1840 and an Haiman 1860 captured at Five Forks by a member of the 5th MI Cav.

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

Nice one. Look on the pommel cap and the drag and see if there are any markings,

I took possession of my new saber yesterday. It has no additional markings anyplace. and was, if anything, better looking in person than in pictures. I'm happy with it.

 

[originalrebelyell]

That's a nice saber.

 

[SEHatfield]

Well done Richard.

 

[1867crete]

Very nice congratulations! Thanks for sharing I do so enjoy looking at anything original .