The special saber that the War Department adopted in 1840 for the light artillery companies was based on a French pattern and used for more than fifty years. It was both a handsome and serviceable weapon with a single-edged curved blade with only a rudimentary false edge. There is a broad fuller than runs from the ricasso to within 6�� of the point. The obverse is clearly stamped US/J.F. / 1865. The reverse is stamped Made by / Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass. The grip is wood covered with leather and wound with twisted brass wire. The pommel is brass and of the Phrygian helmet design. The scabbard is iron with two suspension rings and a drag. The blade is minty and the scabbard is excellent with a nice, even iron grey patina. There is a #14 stamped deep in the quillon. Overall the saber measures 38�� with a 32�� blade that is 1 �_�� at the hilt. It would be difficult to find a nicer specimen.