Example Appraisal
Disclaimer:This appraisal is AI-generated and for informational purposes only. It does not constitute a professional or certified valuation. Consult a licensed appraiser for insurance, estate, or legal purposes.
Example Report — This is a demo appraisal using a public domain image

Civil War Officer's Cavalry Sword

WeaponsAmerican Civil WarUnited States
AI Confidence85%
Photo
Civil War era cavalry sword with brass guard and leather scabbard

Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain

Identification
CategoryEdged Weapons
Era / PeriodAmerican Civil War
Agecirca 1860-1865
OriginUnited States
StyleModel 1860 Light Cavalry Saber
Steel BladeBrass GuardLeather & Wire GripSteel Scabbard
Key Features
  • Model 1860 pattern — the most widely used cavalry sword of the Civil War
  • Curved blade designed for mounted slashing attacks
  • Brass three-branch guard with "US" marking
  • Complete with original steel scabbard
Condition Assessment
60 Good
Structure60/100
Surface60/100
Completeness90/100
Restorations90/100

Blade shows areas of mild pitting but no active rust. Brass guard retains good detail. Leather grip wrap has wear but is intact. Scabbard has dents consistent with field use.

Noted Defects

  • Scattered pitting on blade from age and storage conditions
  • Scabbard has field-use dents
  • Leather grip wrap shows wear and minor losses
Estimated Dimensions
Weight1.2 kg

Overall length approximately 41 inches (104 cm); blade length approximately 34 inches (86 cm).

Valuation
Fair Market Value
$2,500
$1,500 — $5,000
Fair Market$2,500
Insurance$6,500
Auction Est.$2,600
Insurance / Replacement Value$6,500
Auction Estimate$1,200 — $4,000
Stable (+2%)
Market Analysis
RarityUncommon
Market DemandHigh
C
F
D
C
B
A
Stable (+2%)

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was the last major conflict where cavalry sabers saw widespread combat use. These swords were carried in some of the war's most famous engagements and represent an important category of Civil War military collecting.

Price Trend (5 Year)
Comparable Items
Civil War Officer's Cavalry Sword$2,500
Named Officer's Presentation Sword$12,000
Model 1860 Staff & Field Officer's Sword$3,500
Confederate Cavalry Saber$8,000

Named Officer's Presentation Sword

$12,000

circa 1863

Engraved presentation sword identified to a specific officer with battle history

Same period; provenance to a named individual dramatically increases value

Model 1860 Staff & Field Officer's Sword

$3,500

circa 1862

More ornate officer's sword with etched blade and gilt guard

Higher-grade version of the same era military sword

Confederate Cavalry Saber

$8,000

circa 1862

Confederate-manufactured saber, much rarer than Union equivalents

Same use but far lower production numbers command significant premium

Expert Summary

A Civil War-era Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber in good condition with its original scabbard. This was the workhorse sidearm of the Union cavalry, and surviving examples are popular with both Civil War collectors and arms enthusiasts. The presence of the original scabbard adds value. Identification of the specific manufacturer and any inspector markings could refine the valuation. The Civil War collecting market remains robust with strong institutional and private demand.

Provenance: The Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber was the standard cavalry weapon of the Union Army, with over 300,000 produced during the Civil War years by contractors including Ames, Roby, and Mansfield & Lamb.
Authentication Guide

Check for inspector stamps on the blade ricasso and guard. "US" should be stamped on the guard. Blade should show appropriate pattern-welded or crucible steel structure. Original blades are heavier than modern reproductions. Examine scabbard mounting hardware for period-correct construction. Ames Manufacturing Co. and other contracted makers often marked their products.

Care & Preservation
  • Apply a light coat of Renaissance wax to blade to prevent further oxidation
  • Store in a stable, low-humidity environment
  • Handle with cotton gloves to prevent fingerprint corrosion
  • Never attempt to sharpen or heavily clean — patina is desirable
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