Model 1860 Cavalry Saber- 9th Cavalry Markings SOLD

Description

This model 1860 light cavalry saber made by Ames, is marked “US” and “A.D.K.” on the riccasso.  The name of the maker and the date of manufacture are worn away on this old veteran saber.  We know it is Ames as A.D.K. is the inspector of the sabers for the government at the Ames factory in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

The blade is showing a good deal of bright finish, probably refurbished at arsenal some time during its life (assuming that with the markings gone on one side of the riccasso). The grip leather and wire are original and in very good condition with some chipping to the leather in a few places, with wood exposed just under the pommel cap. The two branch guard still retains its original shape; brass hilt patina overall, and original leather washer still in place just under the hilt. The scabbard shows medium to heavy pitting on both sides of the iron scabbard, uniformly covering the entire surface, and finished with a flat black color looking similar to an old untouched look.

The desirable aspect here is the markings placed on the main guard near the pommel cap, placed there by the regimental ordnance personnel of the 9th U.S. Cavalry. This saber bears the marking, “D. 9 CAV. D.  280,” making it property of Company “D” with equipment number 280  (the “0” was over-stamped onto a “3”). I have owned a few of the 9th Cavalry sabers over forty years, and they are all marked the same way.

1866 marked the beginning of the formation of the 9th Cavalry Regiment, and although I do not know if the regiment began to mark their sabers in this fashion at that date, it is fact that the 1860 sabers were issued, being the standard for all US cavalry regiments until 1906 (it is  likely that the 9th and 10th Cavalry were probably the last to receive the new sabers and may have retained the old pattern 1860’s for a few years beyond 1906).

Sabers in the Indian Wars, saw little use, whether carried on campaign or not, as they were most ineffective against the illusive native tribes. However, they were always a part of the dress uniform of the cavalry.  The 1860 Light Cavalry Saber is one of the most recognizable swords of both the Civil and Indian Wars, easily recognized in photography and art of the periods, and the symbol of the cavalry used for their insignia.  This saber retains the markings of one of two Black cavalry regiments established just after the Civil War, and a very scarce “Buffalo Soldier” artifact.