This sword has a gilt brass cruciform hilt with a Roman helmet (or knight’s head) pommel, mother of pearl grips (plain, with no wire binding, and with backstraps) and chain knuckleguard connecting to one of the flared quillons, which have plain borders around a stippled ground, and short double-lobed langets. The blade is straight, double-edged, slightly oval in cross-section, with spearpoint and narrow central fuller. The scabbard is gilt brass, engraved with geometric and floral motifs on the obverse, plain on the reverse, with two suspension rings at top, one in the middle, and an acorn drag tip.

The condition is outstanding, with very, very strong gilt on the hilt and the scabbard. The grips are excellent. We see just a little darkening on the neck of the helmet and the scabbard shows just two light dings on the obverse and two, lower down on the reverse. Scabbard and blade have matching maker addresses: Ames Mfg Co. / Chicopee / Mass. The address is dry needle etched on the blade near the guard. The blade etching is vivid against the frosted ground that retains is silver color and features, floral scrolls, acorns & oak leaves, a stand of American flags with a Liberty cap at top, and on the other side similar floral motifs with a stand of arms, and typically Ames American eagle with E Pluribus Unum dry needle etched banner scroll and sun rays.

See Flayderman, Medicus Collection, plate 61 for similar examples that he dates 1832-1847. Ames used this blade and scabbard address starting in 1848. Kevin Hoffman dated the sword “C1850s-1860s,” though we would say more likely 1850-1860, carrying over in the hands of some militia and state officers into the opening of the Civil War. In any case, this is an impressive and very fine condition sword by the major U.S. maker of the period.  [sr] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!