Here is a very fine quality, 'Knights Head' style sword made for the American militia by Ames. Official regulations in the 1830s through 1840s called for infantry officer swords to have a straight blade and large counter guard. This wonderful example of a brass-mounted militia officer's edged weapon is in excellent condition.

Weapon exhibits a 31.25 inch elliptical, double-edged straight blade with a long, narrow, center fuller on each flat that starts 1.25 inches up from the ricasso and runs for 12.00 inches. The ricasso on the reverse side is delicately engraved with “AMES MFG. CO. CABOTVILLE, MASS.” Displayed on both sides of the blade are highly detailed, silver engraved floral scrolls and military motif decorations. One side has etching that begins at the ricasso with a scrollwork design that works into a branch of laurel before reverting back to scrollwork. This is surmounted by a spread-winged eagle with a sunburst at top. The opposite side of the blade follows the same pattern but with a panoply of flags. Blade has a very nice clean appearance.

The grip is carved bone. The carved pattern is linear on the sides while the front and back panels have a feathered decoration at bottom topped by two parallel lines and a sunburst. Solid brass pommel is cast in the form of a knight’s head wearing a classical helmet with crest. Details of the helmet and crest are well executed. A brass knucklebow stretches from the chin of the Knight’s head to a counterguard with a very ornate raised relief of a spread-winged eagle with patriotic shield on its chest. The guard ends in an elliptical quillon.

Scabbard is all brass and bears two strong carry rings at the upper mounting band and a single carry ring at the lower band, typical of militia scabbards. Both sword bands are highly decorated with geometrically shaped scrollwork. Upper ring mount exhibits a small ornate brass stud for attachment to a sword belt. A small drag is visible at the scabbard tip. The reverse side of the scabbard is plain. Scabbard does exhibit some minor dings from age and storage.

This very fine militia officer's sword with its handsome, mellow brass mounted 'Knights Head' pommel is a fine specimen of early Americana edged weaponry and a great collectible.  [AD]

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