Presented here is a fine, original Civil War Model 1850 foot officer’s sword made by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Complete with its matching leather scabbard, the sword is one of the high-grade edged weapons the firm made for private purchase and for some government contracts. Crafted workmanship is exhibited on the blades and was more than equal to those of the best European sword makers of the time.

This handsome, regulation, infantry officer’s sword and scabbard are in very good condition. Crafted from high-grade steel, the blade measures 30½” long, 1” wide, and has a stopped wide fuller 21” long with an integrated 14½” long narrow fuller. On the blade right flat, starting just above the reverse ricasso, is a floral and vine design that extends upward to a script “U S.” which is flanked with a panoply of military arms then a delicate vine motif. Blade obverse shows the maker’s address with an inscription on the obverse ricasso. Reads “Ames Mfg. Co / Chicopee / Mass.” in finely etched script. Obverse flat has a similar makeup but features a detailed spreadwinged eagle centered in the design flanked with military arms and more foliate. Handsome blade is shiny bright and shows areas of slight pitting / oxidation on the flat within 4” from the tip. Remainder of the blade bears an original, high quality, polished bright sheen. Blade pleasing to view. No blade edge nicks.

The detailed brass hilt features a cast guard and knucklebow with a delicately cast single-band with 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, light colored sharkskin. 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 and in good 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 has light wear.

The original black leather scabbard is a complete specimen with brass furniture. Scabbard body is strong and exhibits a surface that has been cleaned or coated with a blacking substance. Two, plain, brass bands support the two suspension sword mounts with rings and are adorned with simple edge tooling on each band. Both bands are loose to the body as well is the drag. No maker’s mark on the upper band. All brass furniture wears a mellow bronze patina. Drag has normal dings from use. Scabbard retains all three small attachment screws and the stitched seam is tight with no openings. This original Ames Model 1850 foot officer’s sword is a fine example of a Civil War officer’s edged weapon.

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