I got this from my dad, who got it for mowing a guy's lawn in the '60's. Any help in identifying the sword would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I would say it looks like a US Model 1860 light cavalry saber. The 1860 looks a lot like the model 1840 cavalry saber it replaced, if you had the dimensions, I could tell you with more certainty which.

Best,

Ian

Thanks! I'll have the wife take some measurements since she's at home right now. Out of curiousity, it's in pretty bad shape, and I was thinking about polishing it up; is this a good idea, and how should I go about doing it if it is?

Thanks,
BrandonP

Blade length=35"
Blade width at base = 1.25"

A French mle1822 type officer's sword. As it does not show any French poincons, it was likely Prussian made and a style used continent wide. With the single scabbard ring, I would think later than the 1882 period.

The US light cavalry sword, there really was no designated 1860 aside from 20th century historians. The first federal contracts for the "light" were fulfilled in 1858 by Ames., so it is wrong (in the absolute) to call them the M1860 (please show me in an ordnance book if you can find them listed as the M1860). It is a losing battle to convince the modern collector that is the case but it is simply the light cavalry sword in name and contract. There was an M1906, which mimics the light (1860 sic) that was pretty much the same sword but with a steel hilt.

More later, if there is any interest.

Cheers

GC

So one vote for a US sword, and another for a French one. Any other votes?

DO NOT POLISH IT

It has some rust, and is very tarnished.

Glen, I will readily yield to your knowledge on this subject, and you are of course correct about the US light cavalry saber. Though, the 1860 nomenclature is in almost universal (if inaccurate/lamentable) usage and makes search/discussion less ambiguous.

However, it seems to me that the large ricasso is typical of the swords made for American contracts and a feature which I cannot say I've seen on a French M1822? Also, do you recognize the mark on the ricasso?

Brandon, don't polish it. As with any antique, preservation/originality are key. If you want to care for it, feel free to oil it or protect it with a wax.

Sorry, when I was referring to polishing, I was meaning removing the tarnish and rust, not making the metal shine. Is it better to leave the rust and just oil it?

I should also mention that my dad tried to sharpen it as a kid, and he did an awful job at it.

Glen,
Thanks for all of the useful information! I think that the grip is actually the same material as the hilt. I'm not positive, but I'll double check that it isn't wood. Did you use anything on the blade to restore it?

Hi Brandon, the blade on the sword shown was fairly immaculate and the only reason I bought it while knowing there was work ahead.

Some are now touting light oil and aluminum foil (lots of it) to gently scrub. Very fine steel wool and light oil. I use Liquid Wrench but ventilate and use gloves, along with both green and blue kitchen scrubbies. Copper wool (Chore Boy) from the kitchen section as well...My tool bag would make a lot of folk upset but the trick is depth. Even fine automotive grit paper gets used here.

We are not looking at a crown jewel of a sword here, so keep that in perspective.

The reason I ask if what we see is horn is that it would be more possibly a French made sword.......but........most French made 1822 type blades will have an unstopped fuller ala this example
http://d1q1tydbf3ejpe.cloudfront.net/objet/20...rbe_1N.jpg

Could still be a French cutler with a Prussian blade. Still, with the single ring scabbard later than mid century.

Cheers

GC

Glen,
Realizing that the sword isn't a gem is why I was thinking about bringing back some of its original beauty. I've seen people use very light automotive sandpaper, and I think that might be the angle that I take. My aim is more of an heirloom piece, so I'd like it to last.

Brandon

Here is a a better look at a couple of mle1822 French made sabres (note use of poincons and unstopped fuller)
http://swordscollection.blogspot.com/2012/02/...-1822.html

A remark there about the single ring suspension in French vogue 1887.

Matt Easton still has his ricasso 1822 for sale, or at least has not closed it out but note no markings at all. A British buyer/owner. Again my conclusion would be Prussian made in teh style (and sor egarded) as the mle 1822 officer's sword.
http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.p...er-s-sabre

Cheers

GC

I know, none are exactly like the sword of this thread

Careful repolishing with fine papers can remove a lot of haphazard sharpening scratches. Keep in mind that they only disappear when you go to the depth of them.

Cheers

GC

I wish I knew more about where the owner of the sword got it before my dad. He got it in Colorado, I wonder how it got there...

Glen,
The grip appears to be made of wood.