US Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber by Ames. 34.75” curved, single-edged blade with rounded spine and 26.5” stopped median fuller. Overall length 41.25”. Three-branch brass guard with Phrygian helmet pommel cap and grooved wood grip covered in leather and with 12 wraps of double-strand twisted brass wire. Reverse ricasso with Ames scroll marking reading in four lines: "Made by / Ames Mfg. Co / CHICOPEE / MASS." Obverse ricasso marked: "US / ADK / 1862." Pommel cap also with the "ADK" mark of arsenal sub-inspector Andrew D King. Includes correct pattern seamed iron scabbard with two suspension rings and no visible inspection on the drag.

[With:] Personal items identified to General Van Buren, including: 3 pairs of shoulder straps (range from Lt. Colonel to Brig. General); a white buff saber belt; a pair of spurs; Hardee hat insignia; gold general's hat cords; a framed albumen equestrian photograph of Lyman captured in full uniform by Wenderoth, Taylor & Brown of Philadelphia. 5 3/8 x 7 7/16 in. oval albumen print (light fading, few surface scratches), on oval mount in period frame. Verso with photographer's imprint and modern identification; and a CDV with Charles D. Fredericks & Co. of New York imprint, identified on verso as "J.L. Van Buren."

[Also with:] Uncredited studio portrait featuring Major General John G. Parke seated at center, flanked by members of his staff and one gentleman in civilian dress. Lieutenant Colonel James Lyman Van Buren is seated at far right. 12 3/4 x 15 in. (visible) albumen photograph, framed to 15 1/4 x 17 1/2 in.  

James Lyman Van Buren (1837-1866) was a lawyer and cousin of President Martin Van Buren. He entered the military early in the war as a lieutenant of New York volunteers. Van Buren served as judge-advocate on the staff of General Ambrose Burnside and as military secretary to Governor Edward Stanly. He received the brevet of lieutenant colonel for bravery in the East Tennessee campaign and colonel for his service at Knoxville. While with Burnside, he joined Grant's campaign against Richmond. Following the assault on Petersburg, he was breveted brigadier general. 

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Sword about good to very good with some scattered discoloration and light surface oxidation. Blade shows a few minor nicks and chips along the cutting edge. Markings remain legible. Guard with a rich, uncleaned bronze patina with upper portion slightly bent. Leather cover on grip is well-worn and flaked with much of the surface finish worn away. Wire wrap secured by glue near the guard. Blade to hilt fit is tight with an undisturbed peen. Retains leather throat washer with moderate wear. Scabbard moderately oxidized with scattered surface discoloration and some scattered dings, with the drag well worn.