Presented is an identified Civil War M1850 foot officer’s sword in very good condition that is dated and government inspected. Ames produced high-grade swords and sabers for private purchase, and also to fill certain government contracts. This seldom-seen blade specimen is one of only 575 Ames Foot Officer swords delivered and inspected in 1862. Sword is identified to James H. Miles of Elmira, NY who enlisted as a Captain on Aug 6, 1862. One month later on Sep 6, Miles was commissioned into Co F, 107^th New York Volunteer Infantry. Miles raised and organized the company for service and subsequently resigned his commission on March 23, 1863 due to advancing age and poor health. The finely crafted workmanship exhibited on all of its blades, especially its officers’ blades, was more than equal to those of the best European sword makers of the time.

James Miles’ M1850 sword is complete with its matching leather scabbard by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts. This scarce, handsome regulation infantry officer’s edged weapon is in very good to excellent condition. Crafted from high-grade steel, the blade measures 30½” long, 1” wide, and has a single, stopped fuller 21½” long with an integrated 16” long narrow fuller. On the flat of both sides of the blade, starting right above the ricasso, is a beautifully acid-etched design that extends for a length of eighteen inches. The reverse of blade exhibits an acid-etched and frosted design that features block letters “U S”. Letters are flanked to the left with a panoply of military arms and on the right with a delicate foliate of leaves and scroll decorations. Blade obverse shows the same makeup but features a detailed spreadwinged eagle centered in the design flanked with military arms and more foliate. Strong government inspector marks “GGS” (George G. Saunders) on the reverse ricasso with a strong date “1862” on the obverse ricasso. George Saunders was a US government Ordnance Department inspector who practiced before the Civil War. A fine maker’s inscription on the obverse ricasso of this sword reads, “Ames Mfg. Co / Chicopee / Mass” in frosted script. Entire blade bears a high quality finish but the surface shows a dusty light pitting overall.

The finely detailed, ornate, brass hilt features a solid guard and knucklebow with a delicately cast face that displays oak leaf scrolls and acanthus leaves. Brass hilt is tight and exhibits all its original gold gilt with slight rubbing at the pommel back. Never cleaned. Leather washer is strong and intact. Grips consist of a turned and grooved wooden handle wrapped in high quality, dark colored rayskin that is tightly bound with double-twisted brass wire around the handle. Grips are original and in very good condition with two strands slightly loose. Brass pommel is decorated with ornate scrollwork of laurel leaves and features a tiered domed cap. Casting on the hilt and pommel is well executed and crisp.

The inscribed, black leather scabbard exhibits a smooth leather surface overall and is a complete specimen with brass furniture. Scabbard body is of strong black bridle leather and supple with no weak areas, cracking or flaking. Two, plain, brass bands support the two suspension sword mounts with rings and are adorned with a simple edge collar on each band. Scabbard upper mount exhibits the identification and the maker mark. Sword mounts, along with the brass drag, appears to never been cleaned. Both bands and mounts are tight and complete, as are the two small suspension rings. Drag is excellent condition with normal dings, dents and light scuffing from use. Scabbard retains all its three small attachment screws.

Specimen comes with the military records from the National Archives in Washington DC. A fine example of a Civil War officer’s identified, scarce 1862-dated and inspected Ames Model 1850-foot sword and scabbard.

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