Here, in very fine condition, is an Ames manufactured, Model 1850 Foot Officer’s sword and matching leather scabbard presented to Lieutenant James H. Morgan, Jr. by members of the 1^st Battalion, Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. James Morgan was a 21 year-old butcher from Roxbury when on February 19, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company A, 1^st Bttn, Mass Heavy Artillery. Morgan progressed through the ranks in the unit with a Corporal’s promotion on March 13, 1862; Sergeant’s stripes on September 9, 1862; a commission as 2^nd Lieutenant on April 10, 1863 and finally promotion to 1^st Lieutenant on November 26, 1864. The heavy artillery battalion, for the entire period of the war, pulled garrison duty in the forts of Boston harbor. Their mission also included guarding the Confederate prisoners who were confined, most of them being officers of high rank. Outside of scattered detachments being sent to Boston to assist in maintaining the peace during the 1863 draft riots, the approximately 1300 men in the unit never ‘saw the elephant’.

Lt. Morgan’s edged weapon is a classic specimen of the type sword carried by most infantry and artillery officers during that time period. A finely crafted, presentation piece, this sword was made by Ames Manufacturing Co of Chicopee, Mass and is so marked on blade and scabbard mount. Blade, which exhibits a pleasing, light-gray coloring, is unsharpened and appears to have been lightly cleaned at one time and shows almost no frosting remaining. The sword blade is straight and true, with a stopped wide fuller 21½” long and a narrow fuller some 15” long. Lightly etched on the reverse ricasso and barely discernable is the maker’s mark, “Ames Mfg. Co / Chicopee / Mass”, followed by foliate, shield and arms, spread winged eagle, banner, and foliate. Obverse etching includes foliate, U.S. in script, shield and arms, and foliate. Blade exhibits just three or four small spots of rust pitting and age discoloration and one tiny edge nick 11” from the hilt.

The handsome brass hilt reflects a fine, ornate casting and even retains some of its original gilt finish. Grips, which are in fabulous, strong condition, feature a carved, center swell wood handle wrapped in a fine-grade, dark gray sharkskin or rayskin. Grip wire is very tightly twisted, double strand brass. Brass guard knucklebow and quillion are of the standard design and decoration. The original, buff leather, blade washer or pad is in excellent condition. The Phrygian pommel cap is embellished at the edge with floral leaves and a flower at the top connecting the branches.

The Ames-marked, scabbard body is made of black bridle leather in very good condition and is complete with brass mounts, brass bands, rings and drag. Leather scabbard shows slight scuffing in spots and presents two weak areas. The first is 1” from the upper drag edge and the other some 6” above that. Upper sword mount features the ID in fine script that reads, “Presented to / Lt. J.H. Morgan Jr. / by his company / as a token of their esteem”. Reverse of this mount bears the maker’s stamp of “AMES MFG Co / CHICOPEE / MASS ”. Both upper and lower mounts, which are strong and tight, offer a pleasing, mellow bronze patina, as do all the scabbard brass. Drag retains its brightness and features the numeral “22” stamped at the top edge, directly below the retaining screw. If one is seeking a quality, original presentation M1850 Foot Officer’s sword, this wonderful, identified specimen is for you.

Accompanied by a brief amount of research material.

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