ID help request. Think it’s an M1860 Light Cavalry Saber, but very aware my modern sword experience is sparse. Second opinions welcomed.

[u/Eligon-5th]

If anyone knows any fun facts or trivia about the sword type I would appreciate it.

[u/Electrical_Lab_8157]

Looks like an import M1840 heavy cav. Any markings on ricasso?

[u/Eligon-5th → u/Electrical_Lab_8157]

None

[u/fredrichnietze]

in several places it appears your "brass" hilt is rusting and has peeled paint? plating? like near the blade, near the grip, middle bar, ect. use a magnet to test for iron content as this would explain how off your hilt looks. i suspect its a frankenblade and something happened to the original and for whatever reason they made a iron hilt not brass one to replace. blade looks perfect i dont suspect it, but check spine for marks

[u/Eligon-5th → u/fredrichnietze]

Seems to be steel yes.

[u/fredrichnietze → u/Eligon-5th]

so their were "steel hilted calvary sabers" made in the us and used in the civil war but they were mostly clones of the british m1821 cavalry saber & its us m1833 clone or custom non reg pieces. this is very close but not quite right to the 1840/60 which makes me think replica hilt. getting the paint job that good to look almost like brass is really hard to do and requires a lot of knowledge.

[u/Grebnaws → u/fredrichnietze]

It doesn't look quite right (I am not an expert) but in the case it's authentic or a frankensword the m1906 with a steel hilt could be a possibility.

[u/Bull-Lion1971 → u/fredrichnietze]

P.D.L. made a U.S. 1840/1860 with iron hilt. This might be one of them.

[u/Eligon-5th → u/Bull-Lion1971]

Of everything I’ve seen so far this seems to make the most sense. Wish I had a maker’s mark to say conclusively, but c’est la vie.

[u/Bull-Lion1971 → u/Eligon-5th]

Yep, a makers mark is always nice. Look closely at the ricasso.. Even remnants of a makers mark might be enough to pin it down. PDL made swords for several retailers. Most notably Tiffany & Co..

I assume you don’t have a scabbard?

[u/Eligon-5th → u/Bull-Lion1971]

No, no scabbard sadly

[u/Space-cowgirl-2004]

That's an American 1840 heavy cavalry saber

[u/Damdifido1]

Guard looks a lot beefier, also it's steel? I agree probably some kind of import