This attractive, regulation Foot Officer’s sword was imported and sold by Ames Manufacturing Company which was a manufacturer of swords, tools, and cutlery in Chicopee, Massachusetts, as well as an iron and bronze foundry. They were a significant provider of side arms, swords, light artillery, and heavy ordnance for the Union in the Civil War.

The import blade of this 1850 Foot Officer sword is so slightly curved that it looks straight at first glance. It is single-edged with a false edge extending back about nine inches from the point. There is a wide deep fuller which runs from the ricasso to the beginning of the false edge. The blade is lightly decorated on both sides with floral and military etchings. On the blade, just above the ricasso, is etched “Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass”.  The blade is light gray in tone with light scattered pitting overall. Due to cleaning and wear the etchings are faint. There is no felt washer.

The grips are constructed of a wooden handle with a sharkskin cover. This cover shows moderate wear and all but one wrap of the double-twist of brass wire is missing. The brass guard has a cut-out floral design with quillion at top. Knuckle bow attaches to a pommel with cast floral designs; has very slight wobble. All brass remains clean.

The imported metal scabbard is in good condition. The scabbard is steel with a brass throat, two brass ring mounts, and brass drag. The throat is screwed in place with slight wobble and small split at metal seam; likely caused by returning sword hard over the years. Overall scabbard remains in very nice condition.

A good example of an import officer’s sword sold by Ames. [jet][ph:L]

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