J.E.B. Stuart with his 1860 saber. It is shorter, lighter and less curved than the 1840 model
1860 saber

The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber (also known as the M1862 as this was when the first 800 were issued)[1] is a long sword made of steel and brass, used by US cavalry from the American Civil War[2] until the end of the Indian wars; some were still in use during the Spanish–American War.[3] It was 41 inches (104 cm) long with a 35 by 1 in (88.9 by 2.5 cm) blade and weighed 2 lb 4 oz (1.0 kg) alone or 3 lb 10 oz (1.6 kg) with iron scabbard.[2]

Before the Civil War there was no light or heavy cavalry in the US army. Instead there were "Dragoons" (founded 1830) and "Mounted Riflemen" (founded c.1840).[4] In 1861 these mounted regiments were renamed cavalry and given yellow piping.[5]

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.[6]

By the end of the Civil War over 300,000 1860 sabers had been produced: 200,000 by Ames,[7] 32,000 by Roby and many more by firms such as Tiffany and Co, Glaze, Justice, and Emerson and Silver.[8] M1860s were carried not only by cavalry but also by many infantry and staff officers as the regulation Model 1850 Army Staff & Field Officers' Sword had to be privately purchased. High-ranking officers, like their European counterparts, often had their swords ornately engraved with gilding and foliage. Famous users included George Armstrong Custer and J.E.B. Stuart.

Later in the Civil War large cavalry charges became less common[1] and the cavalry took on the role of skirmishers.[9] Many replaced their sabers with extra revolvers, or left it in the saddle while fighting on foot[10] with their repeating Henry rifles and Spencer carbines.

This is the sword the cavalry use in Westerns, many being original antiques purchased by the movie industry in the 1920s when surplus Civil War equipment was cheap.

This model is currently used in some U.S. Army Cavalry units in Color Guards, or when in period type uniforms.[11] Most are given as PCS (Permanent Change of Station) or ETS (Expiration of Term of Service) gifts to a departing Cavalry Trooper. Usually engraved on the scabbard with his name, rank and dates of service. Some are also worn, in full Dress Blues, (when earned on a "Spur Ride" or combat tour) with Stetson and Spurs.[1]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c CAVHOOAH.COM, Cavalry Sabers.
  2. ^ a b Flynt (2006).
  3. ^ U.S. Militaria, SAW Sabre.
  4. ^ Buford (2002).
  5. ^ Pike (2011).
  6. ^ Uhlan Boards, Civil War Cavalry - Wanted to Buy.
  7. ^ Lynch (2006), p. 74.
  8. ^ Civil War Swords, Swords for sale, buy.
  9. ^ Randolph (1905), p. 82, 87.
  10. ^ Authentic Campaigner, McClellan's 1861 Cavalry Regulations and Instructions.
  11. ^ Marlow White, Wearing the US Army Saber.

References

  • Randolph, Lewis Hamersly (1905). "Brigadier-General John Watts de Peyster" (PDF). Biographical Sketches of Distinguished Officers of the Army and Navy (1st ed.). New York, NY: L.R. Hamersly. p. 87. OCLC 7475846. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  • Lynch, Jacqueline T. (June 2006). "Manufacturing a War: The Ames Company and Chicopee, Massachusetts". North & South. North & South Magazine, Inc. 9 (3): 70–79. ISSN 1522-9742. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
  • "Cavalry sabers". February 28, 2008. Archived from the original on January 16, 2009. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  • "Help needed - correct SAW sabre". U.S. Militaria Forum. April 15, 2008. Archived from the original on November 21, 2018. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
  • Flynt, Sean A. (April 9, 2006). "Lost and Found: A U.S. Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber". MyArmoury.com. <y Armoury. Retrieved 2007-10-05.
  • Buford (February 21, 2002). "Light Cavalry vs. Dragoons". Civil War Potpourri. CivilWarHome.com. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  • Pike, John (May 7, 2011). "Dragoons". GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
  • "Civil War Cavalry - Wanted to Buy". The Civil War Cavalry Forum. Archived from the original on 2009-02-03. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
  • "Civil War Swords for sale, buy Civil War Swords". Civil War Swords. Archived from the original on June 3, 2010. Retrieved September 22, 2008.
  • "Saber on the Saddle..." The Authentic Campaigner. February 25, 2008. Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
  • White, Marlow (December 3, 2003). "Wearing the US Army Saber". Marlow White Swords & Sabers. Archived from the original on November 11, 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
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