Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber facts for kids
The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber was a special sword used by soldiers in the U.S. Cavalry. It was made of strong steel and shiny brass. This sword was used for a long time, from the American Civil War (1861-1865) through the American Indian Wars. Some were even still used during the Spanish–American War in 1898.
This saber was about 41 inches (104 cm) long. Its blade, the sharp part, was about 35 inches (89 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The sword itself weighed about 2 pounds, 4 ounces (1 kg). With its metal case, called a scabbard, it weighed about 3 pounds, 10 ounces (1.6 kg).
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What is the Model 1860 Saber?
The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber got its name to tell it apart from an older, heavier sword. That older sword was called the Model 1840 Heavy Cavalry Saber. The 1860 model was designed to be better.
How Was It Different?
Like the older 1840 saber, the 1860 model had a brass guard to protect the hand. It also had a grip wrapped in leather and a steel scabbard. But the big difference was its size. The Model 1860 was smaller and much easier to handle. This made it a favorite for cavalry soldiers who rode horses into battle.
Who Used the 1860 Saber?
Before the Civil War, the U.S. Army didn't have "light cavalry" or "heavy cavalry." Instead, they had soldiers called "Dragoons" and "Mounted Riflemen." Dragoons were founded in 1830, and Mounted Riflemen around 1840. In 1861, these horse-riding groups were officially renamed "cavalry." They were given yellow stripes on their uniforms.
Production and Famous Users
By the end of the Civil War, more than 300,000 of these 1860 sabers had been made. Many different companies produced them. The Ames company made about 200,000. Roby made 32,000, and others like Tiffany and Co. made many more.
The Model 1860 sabers weren't just for cavalry soldiers. Many infantry (foot soldiers) and staff officers also carried them. This was because their official sword, the Model 1850 Army Staff & Field Officers' Sword, had to be bought privately. High-ranking officers sometimes had their swords beautifully decorated. They would add fancy engravings, gold plating, and leaf designs. Famous people who used this saber included George Armstrong Custer and J.E.B. Stuart.
The Saber in Later Wars and Movies
As the Civil War went on, large cavalry charges became less common. Cavalry soldiers started to act more like skirmishers. This meant they would fight in smaller groups, often on foot. Many soldiers chose to carry extra revolvers instead of their sabers. They would leave their sabers with their horses. They often fought on foot with powerful rifles like the Henry rifle and the Spencer carbine.
The Saber in Western Movies
This sword is the one you often see cavalry using in Western movies. Many of the sabers used in old films were real antiques. The movie industry bought them in the 1920s when Civil War equipment was cheap.
Modern Use of the Saber
Today, the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber is still used by some U.S. Army Cavalry units. They use them in Color Guards, which are groups that carry flags in ceremonies. They also use them when wearing old-fashioned uniforms.
Sometimes, these sabers are given as gifts to cavalry soldiers who are leaving their unit or the army. The scabbard is often engraved with the soldier's name, rank, and dates of service. Soldiers who earn special honors, like completing a "Spur Ride" or serving in combat, might wear the saber with their full Dress Blues uniform. They also wear a Stetson hat and Spurs on their boots.
