This sword was a product of the Ames Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of swords, tools and cutlery in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Ames was also involved in iron and bronze foundry. Ames was a major provider of swords, light artillery and heavy ordnance in the Civil War. Established in 1774 in Chelmsford, Mass. by the Ames family by brothers Nathan and James. By 1829 the brothers moved their business to a location on the Chicopee River in Springfield. By the time the Civil War started the Ames Company was the biggest producer of military items for the Union.

The model 1840 light artillery sabre has a brass hilt and a knuckle-bow of six inches in length, with no inspector marks. The grip is wrapped in leather and bound with a double wire twist. Wood handle has crack which split the leather. Very minor spots to leather about 99% of leather remains. Polished brass.

Obverse side of blade stamped into the ricasso “US/M.M./1864 Miles Moulton armory inspector 1861-1864. Reverse side in a semi-circle “Ames Mfg./Chicopee/Mass.” Single edged blade with single stopped fuller. Blade semi-bright with minor age spots. No rusting/pitting.

Scabbard with a nice gray patina, very minor “dings”, drag stamped “J.C.W.” unknown government armory inspector 1864/1865. Nice example.   [ws]

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