Presented here is a fine and original Civil War Model 1850 foot officer’s sword complete with its matching metal scabbard by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Ames produced high-grade edged weapons for private purchase, and also for some government contracts. The finely crafted workmanship exhibited on all of its blades, especially its officers’ blades, was more than equal to those of the best European sword makers of the time.

This handsome, regulation, infantry officer’s edged weapon is in great condition. Crafted from high-grade steel, the blade measures 30½” long, 1” wide, and has a stopped wide fuller 20½” long with an integrated 16¼” long narrow fuller. On the flat of both sides of the blade, starting right above the ricasso, is a beautifully etched design with eye-catching frosting that extends for a length of twenty inches. Reverse of blade exhibits a simple yet distinct, acid-etched frosted design that features letters “U S”. Letters are flanked with a panoply of military arms and delicate foliate of leaves and scroll decorations. Blade obverse shows the same design makeup but features a detailed spreadwinged eagle centered in the design flanked with military arms and more foliate. The maker’s inscription on the obverse ricasso of this officer’s sword is thin but reads, “Ames Mfg. Co / Chicopee / Mass.” in frosted script. Blade shows areas of pitting and black oxidation on the obverse flat 5” up from the hilt. Remainder of the blade bears an original, high quality, polished bright sheen and aged frosting. A most handsome and pleasing blade to view. No blade edge nicks.

The finely detailed, single-band brass hilt features a solid guard and knucklebow with a delicately cast band that displays cutout oak leaf scrolls and acanthus leaves. Brass hilt is tight to the blade tang. Original leather pad / washer is strong and secure. Features a grooved, center-swelled wooden handle wrapped in high quality, dark colored rayskin. Skin is tightly bound with double-twisted brass wire around the handle. Normal seam separation is evident on the reverse side of the handle. Grips are original, tight and in superb condition. Brass pommel is decorated with ornate scrollwork of laurel leaves and features a tiered domed cap. Casting on the hilt and pommel is well executed and crisp.

The original metal scabbard is a complete specimen with brass furniture. Scabbard body, originally blued, now exhibits a surface that has acquired a pleasing plum brown patina overall. Two, plain, brass bands support the two suspension sword mounts with rings and are adorned with simple edge tooling on each band. Scabbard’s upper band displays the maker’s mark “AMES MFG. CO / CHICOPEE / MASS.” Sword mounts, along with the brass drag appear to have been lightly cleaned at one time. Both bands are tight to the body as are the mounts and the two small suspension rings. Drag is excellent with normal light dings from use. Scabbard retains all three small attachment screws. This original and high quality Ames Model 1850-foot officer’s sword is a fine example of a Civil War officer’s edged weapon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!