PARTIALLY IDENTIFIED AMES M1840 LIGHT ARTILLERY SABER / SCABBARD DATED 1863

$700.00 SOLD
Originally $765.00

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 173-2260

Here is an original, Civil War Ames Model 1840 light artillery saber that bears the partial identification of “G. Christe” stamped in 1/16th inch high, block letters on both side of the hilt’s knucklebow. Cursory research in both US and CS records at the National Archives in Washington, DC revealed that only individual named G. Christe came up and he was a Confederate soldier in the Tenth Georgia Militia. A brief amount of research material come with the saber and this is a project needing further research on G. Christe.

Termed an Ames Type 2, this saber was made from 1860 through 1865 and features a weapon that has a counterguard without a recess, and its matching metal scabbard has a throat collar mount similar to the M1860 cavalry model. Brass knucklebow has loosened from the pommel base. Blade is in good condition but appears to have been cleaned and nickel plated. Made for light artillery mounted units, the saber is stamped on the obverse ricasso of the blade with a clear stamping “ _ / D. R. / 1863” in block format while the reverse ricasso bears the maker’s mark of “AMES MFg Co / CHICOPEE / MASS” in very thin, hard to discern stamping, likely from the cleaning. Saber has a 32¼” long, curved, single edged steel blade with a flat top, and a single wide fuller and no narrow fuller. Blade is exhibits a bright sheen with scattered scrapes and specks of pitting. Original leather washer pad is strong and intact. Blade’s true edge shows a number of slight rough areas.

Pommel has a 3/8” high, domed cap and bears the inspector mark of “J.R.” on the obverse knucklebow. Entire brass hilt, including the pommel has acquired a rich, bronze patina. Original grips, strong and tight, consist of a turned, wooden handle with seventeen grooves wrapped with black bridle leather and encircled with original, twisted, brass wire wrap. Leather is in good condition and is slightly loose to the tang. Brass wire wrap has 5 or 6 slightly loose strands.

The undented metal scabbard exhibits a highly cleaned surface that bears a light gray sheen overall. Drag shows the government inspector initials “D.R.” along with the same identification “G. CHRISTE” stamped on both sides of the drag. The large, iron ring mounts are tight and hold the two sword suspension rings. Scabbard collar and throat are tight. A handsome specimen of a Federal Ames Model 1840 light artillery saber.  [ra]

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

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!

Inquire About PARTIALLY IDENTIFIED AMES M1840 LIGHT ARTILLERY SABER / SCABBARD DATED 1863

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

GETTYSBURG SOUVENIR RELIC DESK SET

Made by John Goode. Mounted on a flat wooden plaque measuring 7 x 4 x .875”, with small dark front sticker label: “Gettysburg / July 1863.” The set contains a small, flower decorated inkwell, 1.25 x 1”, with “crystal” stopper-lid. Flanked… (M24195). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

29
Mar

April 13-14: Spring Gettysburg Military Antiques Show Learn More »

Instagram