This impressive Ames Model 1840 cavalry officer’s saber was formerly in the well-known and widely respected collection of Kevin Hoffman. It is a very high end saber, bearing a rubbed  presentation and, in addition to the usual, well-detailed, cast and chased leaf, palmette, rosette, and acanthus leaf decoration of the pommel, branches, and guard, the hilt employs a three-step pommel cap topped with an oval bezel holding a purple amethyst.

The hilt has a mellow brass tone, semi-bright, crisp detail, full sharkskin grip wrap with good color and surface, and full, tightly twisted wire binding. The brass scabbard is equally impressive. Certainly gilt originally, now showing subdued brass and muted copper colors, it is profusely engraved and has high-relief mounts. The upper reverse is engraved “Made by / Ames Mfg Co. / Chicopee Mass” dating it 1848 and later. The throat is narrow. The upper mount has a top mounted ring, central rosette and high relief floral scroll ends. The middle mount is similar but uses a trophy of arms (shield, quiver, swords, etc.) in place of the rosette. The lower mount is boot style with a floral engraved drag and body with a high relief top matching the ends of the other mounts, and a long series of high relief wavy leaves. Below the middle mount is a long, engraved panel with a tall panoply of arms, topped by a Liberty cap on a pole, with sunburst framing it, over halberds and flags (clearly U.S.,) drum, knapsack, etc., which extends near the top of the bottom mount in a series of floral scrolls.

Between the two ring mounts is a floral bordered panel. Clearly visible at top is “Presented” with a faint “to” just below. The recipient’s name and other details, however, were buffed out, very carefully, perhaps by a captor who did not wish to the share ownership of a fine saber, or by a family who wanted anonymity in disposing of family treasures. We suspect the latter may be the case. The scabbard has a good, mellow tone, probably having lost its gilt finish to a well-intentioned cleaning. Similarly, the blade is profusely etched and some of the elements are readily apparent, like the extended leafy vine along the flat back edge, and a United States shield on a trophy of arms on the obverse and an Ames style eagle with upraised wings on the reverse, amid floral scrolls etc., but is clearly softened, likely from cleaning as well. We also cannot discount that amethyst may have been substituted for a more valuable gemstone or a mother-of-pearl carved plaque.

The blade has a good edge and point, a muted silver in color with scattered dark gray spots. The blade pad is in place under the guard. The only damage we see is short crack to the upper side of the inner branch of the hilt near the guard.

Given how unique and high-grade the sword is, it might still be possible to identify the owner from period photographs, either showing the officer with it, or the sword on its own, as sometimes happens in advertising very elegant presentations. But, in any case, it is a very scarce Ames cavalry officer’s saber that would be impressive in any display.  [sr] [ph:L]

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