Civil War: Lieutenant John Smith Tally M-1860 Artillery Saber, 1862

Description:	A Model M-1860 Artillery officers saber used by Lieutenant John Smith Tally of Terre Haute, Indiana. The saber was produced in 1862 as indicated by the makers mark located on the right side of the blade just above the guard. The left side features the name of Ames MFO.Co, a major producer of edged weapons for the Union Army prior to and during the Civil War. The sword is somewhat lighter and better balanced than its cavalry saber counterparts. Its blade has a deeper curvature and a full length blood groove. The guard is solid brass and makes one arch over the knuckles instead of several woven bars as seen in cavalry models. The top of the guard features a layer of leather to prevent moisture from reaching the blade inside its scabbard and protect the guard from the scabbard. The scabbard is solid steel and has blackened with age. The makers marks and other identifying marks are almost worn off of the blade. The sword hung from Lieutenant Tallys belt with the help of two leather straps that looped around the scabbard coupled with a steel hook.
Origin:	2010-09-17
Created By:	Ames MFO. Co. 1862
Source:	http://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/vchs/id/5808
Collection:	Vigo County Historical Society
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/UND/1.0/
Copyright:	Copyright Undetermined
Subjects:	United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 Daggers & swords Soldiers Uniforms Wars & Conflicts Civil War -- Artifact Civil War -- Image

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