This is a top-shelf example of the regulation U.S. Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword, preserving lots of the original bright, gilt finish on the brass hilt and scabbard mounts, vivid, bright etching on the blade, and with the black leather scabbard body showing no bends or breaks and glistening black finish. The sword is complete. The hilt shows wear just to the finish just on some edges, like the left edge of the counterguard, or the outer branch on the right, and some very small age spots on the underside. The dark gray sharkskin grip wrap and wire binding are superb. The blade pad is present on the underside of the guard.

The blade has a good edge and point, with the bright frosted ground ending in arrowhead terminals and mirror finish to the foliate and patriotic motifs, and to the upper portion of the blade above the etched panels. Both sides use long sequences of loose, scrolling, leafy vines at top and bottom to set off the central patriotic motifs. The obverse uses an eagle set lengthwise on the blade at center with wings extended up and down the blade in gentle curves, craning its neck down and to its right, with a long olive branch underneath and arrow-head lightning bolts jutting out top and bottom from behind the E PLURIBUS UNUM ribbon scroll running just beneath it. On the reverse, the same foliate scrolls frame a block U.S. in the center of the frosted panel. The silver frosting is bright, the etched motifs vivid, and unetched portions have a mirror finish. The only wear or rubbing we see is to the center right of the script, etched “Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass” maker’s address just above the reverse ricasso.

The scabbard mounts have lots of bright git as well, and the reverse of the upper mount is clearly stamped, “AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE / MASS” lengthwise between the ring band and throat. The scabbard body is rigid, with no bends, creases or breaks, strong color and surface.  We see only a couple of spots of wear to the lacquered finish.

This was the regulation sword for line officers, i.e. the company officers, lieutenants and captains, serving on foot with their men in the infantry, heavy artillery, etc. If you are looking for one rating about factory new or showing how they came out of the retailer’s display case, you will have to look long and hard for one that gets closer than this. This is a superb example, worthy of the top spot in a display or collection of swords or examples of officers’ gear, though it will seriously make you want to upgrade everything else.  [sr][ph:L]

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