Here is a fine, original, Civil War, Ames Model 1850 foot officer’s sword that is identified to Capt. Joseph A. Moore of Company “B”, 17^th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. A native of Gloucester, Mass., eighteen-year old Moore enlisted as a Corporal in the 17^th Regt, Mass Vols. on July 2, 1861 for three years. Moore served with his regiment for all of his term, being promoted to Sgt. in Dec 1861 and to 2^nd Lt. in Co. B on July 25, 1863.  He gained promotion again to 1^st Lt. in Co C on Sept 1, 1864 and later was appointed as Regimental Adjutant in January 1865. On March 4, 1865, Moore was promoted to Captain of the 17^th Mass regiment.  Captain Moore survived the war and returned to Gloucester, married and gained his pension from the government. He died on Sept 21, 1926 in Annisquam, Gloucester. MA.    

Complete with its fine condition leather scabbard, this sword was a product of the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts. The Ames Company produced high-grade edged weapons for both private purchase and governmental contracts. The firm’s fine workmanship, exhibited on all of its blades especially the officers’ blades, was more than equal to that of the best European sword makers of the time. This handsome infantry officer’s blade has a slight curve and is in superb condition. Manufactured from high-grade steel, the single-edged blade measures 30¼” long, is 1” wide, and has a single, stopped fuller 22” long with an integrated 15½” long narrow fuller. On the flat of both sides of the blade, starting right above the ricasso, is a beautifully etched design that extends for a length of 17”. Exhibited on the reverse of blade is a fine, acid-etched design that features block letters “U S”.  Letters are flanked on the left with a panoply of military arms and on the right with a delicate foliate of leaves and scroll decorations.  Blade obverse shows the same type etching but features a detailed spreadwinged eagle centered in the design flanked with military arms and additional foliate. A wonderful maker’s inscription appears on the obverse ricasso of this officer’s sword and reads, “Ames Mfg. Co / Chicopee / Mass.” in fancy script. Entire blade bears a light gray, satin-like luster and presents a most pleasing appearance. 

The soldier’s identification is found jeweler-engraved onto the left edge of the hilt and reads “Capt. Joseph A. Moore / 17^th Regt. Mass. Vols.”.  Blade, which appears to have been very lightly cleaned at one time exhibits a beautifully etched surface and just a hint of pinprick pitting scattered near the point area.  Has few minute nicks on the blade edge. The finely detailed brass hilt features a strong guard and knucklebow with a delicately cast face that displays a single band of oak leaf scrolls and acanthus leaves. Hilt is tight to the blade tang and exhibits a very fine, uncleaned mellow bronze patina. Original leather washer is strong and intact. Grips, which are original, tight and in superb condition, consist of a grooved, swelled wooden handle wrapped in high quality, gray sharkskin that is bound with tight, double-twisted brass wire around the handle. Sharkskin exhibits a slightly open seam on the reverse side as usually found on these wraps. Brass Phrygian-style pommel cap is decorated with ornate scrollwork of laurel leaves and features a tiered domed cap. Casting on the hilt and pommel is crisp and well executed. 

The original black leather scabbard is an excellent specimen and retains all its brass furniture.   Scabbard body is strong and exhibits a leather surface that is tight and smooth overall with light dents and dings from used and storage.   Body shows no weak spots or repairs so common on these leather scabbards. No flaking, crazing or cracking evident.   Scabbard’s upper band below the collar bears another ID that reads “Capt. Joseph A. Moore / 17^th Regt. Mass. Vols.” Opposite side of the band reads “Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass”.  Two suspension mounts have brass rings supported by plain brass bands with tooled edges. Both bands exhibit slight looseness. Scabbard retains its three small attachment screws at the bands and at the drag. All brass wears a mellow bronze patina. 

Sword comes with Captain Moore’s military and pension records from the National Archives in Washington, DC. This original, identified Ames Model 1850-foot officer’s sword from Massachusetts is a remarkable example of a high quality, Civil War edged blade that would enhance any collection or Massachusetts military display.