Offered in this lot is a .J.B.A. Civil War Model 1860 (M1860) Light Cavalry Saber, said to be considered by Heritage Auctions as “without a doubt, the rarest of the M1860 Light Cavalry Sabers are those marked “J.B.A.”. The exact maker of JBA marked sabers/ swords is unknown, with Heritage claiming that less than ten specimens exist. Quintessentially, this is an M1860 in virtually every detail, but displaying the block letters “J.B.A.” over “T” on the reverse ricasso. Like that of the example sold by Heritage Auctions in their June 2008 sale for $2,330, this example is also marked with a letter “W” or “M” on the obverse ricasso. The solid brass hand guard is marked with an etched or scratched “LJS” in a stylized manner, maybe the brand of the Civil War soldier who used the piece. The original metal scabbard or sheath shows the “in the black” condition with later applied nickel finish and is marked “22” over “22” at the top, as well as a hallmark or inspector’s mark at the bottom in block lettering, which is partially illegible, of “JB” or something else. Some have claimed the “T” below “J.B.A.” was from Tomes, Son and Melvain Company, an importing firm established at 6 Maiden Lane in New York City from 1859 to 1864. Francis Tomes and his son Benjamin were New York City military goods dealers and possibly a secret US arms agent who partnered with Robert C. Melvain in 1859 to import rifles and edged weapons from overseas. Other “T” examples have been considered to be high-grade officers “overpriced” Tomes contract cavalry sabers purchased by the Ordnance Department in 1861 and 1862. It is referred to as heavily used condition, typically indicating long field service, with high-quality, high-grade officer’s sword blades likely produced by Tomes by one of the known German firms of Solingen, Prussia (Germany) at that time. The J.B.A. mark is still unknown and one of the scarcest M1860 examples known to this day. The entire sword is in well preserved condition with typical filed use and nicks; the handle blade and handguard are all tight and firm, with the wire wrapping over the leather being slightly loose. One of the most unusual and, as stated by one of the largest collector auction houses and authenticating firms in the world, “Without a Doubt, the Rarest of (all) the M1860…Sabers.” The sword and scabbard together measure 42 inches in length. The sword by itself is approximately 41 inches in length from tip to pommel.