This is the regulation pattern saber adopted in 1840 for mounted artillerymen. Ames delivered some 2,000 in 1861, part from an 1859 contract and some 700 from an 1861 contract. The hilt is the “Type-2,” using a scabbard with throat and a guard with a flat underside rather than a recess for the top of the scabbard. The blade pad is in place. The wire binding and leather wrap of the grip are very good with just some age cracks to the leather and a little wear at the top near the pommel. The edge of the domed pommel is inspector marked both “JH” and, in script, “W.A.T.” The pommel has some small brown age spots, one tiny ding, and a smooth tang showing it has never been apart.

The blade is stamped on the obverse ricasso with the acceptance and inspector marks over the date: “US/JH/1861.” The reverse has the “Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass.” maker stamp in a scroll. The blade is smooth metal, with a good edge and point. The color is silver gray overall, mixed with dark gray spots, but no pitting. The browned scabbard is very good. There is some light pitting on the reverse on the upper ring band, a small patch on the obverse below the lower ring band, and on either side around and on the drag, which is pretty common. This is in very good condition overall, is a regulation US military sword, and would be a key part to a collection or display of US Civil War field artillery gear.   [sr]

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