My husband and I are stationed at the luxurious Home of the 3 ID, Fort Stewart, GA. His former unit has been reflagged as 5/7 Cavalry. I am on a hunt for an 1860s-1880s cav sword...preferably a Gen. Custer replica. If anyone knows where I can find one, please please please let me know.

Thanks a million,
Erica

Is your husband an officer or an EM? Either way, you'll probably find something here:

http://www.by-the-sword.com/acatalog/Windlass...abers.html

There's a U.S. EM cavalry saber, an officer's cavalry saber and a very pretty model 1850 U.S. Staff and Field Officer's sword, which, if I remember correctly, would have been appropriate for senior cavalry and infantry officers alike during the Civil War (Captain and above?). I suppose Custer would have used one of the standard cav. sabers during the Civil War, but I'm not sure if the models had changed by the time he was out west. You're lucky, because all of these tend to be very inexpensive. The quality should be fine, and these are easily antiqued to make them look authentic.

My husband is Senior Enlisted, (Sgt First Class, if that makes a difference). I appreciate your help!

Erica

As far as I can tell, it looks like the light cav. saber model 1860 served until the introduction of the model 1872. I can't find any 1872 reproductions in a quick look around the net, so that 1860 enlisted men's saber sounds like the best bet. Cheap, too!

I definately appreciate the help. I have passed the information to my husband's troop and will pass it on to the whole squadron!!!

Thanks again,
Erica

The folks at the Army's U.S. Cavalry Museum at Fort Riley could more authoritatively tell you everything you ever wanted to know about this subject, and would probably be especially appreciative of the cause. Find them here:

http://www.uscavalry.org