The drawn sword meas. approx. 34 ¾” from point to pommel. The blade is approx. 29” long. It has a wide stopped fuller that is 19” long and a narrow fuller that is 15 ½” long. The blade is bright with scattered mottling. The edge has a few small nicks. Buff leather washer is present and in good condition.

The “frosting” is not strong but still contrasts enough to make the decorations on the blade visible. The obverse shows the maker’s name and address just above the ricasso, “Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass”. Above this is an anchor and US shield within a scalloped rectangle followed by a blank oval of stars and a gathering of spears. The reverse has a spread-winged eagle just above the ricasso with a sunburst above it followed by a fouled anchor and a riband marked “U.S.N.” followed in turn by a rope tied in a square knot. Both sides are adorned with oak leaf decorations.

The grip has the usual sharkskin covering with twists of wire wrap. The pommel cap is the usual Phrygian helmet design with oak leaf border and a cap consisting of a spread-winged eagle surrounded by 13 stars. The knuckle bow starts at the pommel cap and sweeps around toward the base of the grip and widens into a counterguard on each side of the grip ending in a dolphin head quillon. There is a similar dolphin head where the knuckle bow meets the pommel cap while the guard has the usual oak leaf design with the letters “USN” worked into it. Hilt has a very slight wobble. The brass hilt has a light patina. Grip has the usual seam at rear and exhibits some soiling.

Leather scabbard is strong. There are no weak spots in the leather. The rear seam is tight with the exception of about 3” in the middle which has separated. Both mounts and rings are present. Obverse side of the mounts are decorated with the usual knotted rope. The reverse of the throat is stamped with Ames name and address. The two ring mounts show remains of being gilted. The drag shows light wear and has several dents. A sea serpent base adorns the end of the drag. This may be a replacement drag as it does not appear to have ever been gilted like the upper mounts.

An overall fine item by Ames.   [jet]

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