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NEAR MINT MODEL 1850 FOOT OFFICERS SWORD!
The vast majority of officer’s
swords and sabers that Ames produced were for private purchase by officers of
the U.S. military, but this sword is one of only 425
Ames Foot Officer swords delivered, dated and
inspected in 1862, purchased directly by the U.S. Government.
And, as noted by John Thillman in Civil War Army Swords , "A large
number of the 1861 contract swords will have 1862 dates because of later
delivery." making this particular sword even more uncommon!
On 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. The
other side has the same makeup but features a detailed spread winged eagle
centered in the design flanked with military arms and more foliate. Strong
government inspector marks “U.S.” over “JH” (John Hannis)
over “1861” with “Ames Mfg. Co / Chicopee / Mass” etched just above in frosted
script. The other side has the instantly recognizable with “Ames Mfg. Co /
Chicopee / Mass” in a scroll. The entire blade bears a high quality finish but
the surface shows a some spotting overall.
The ornate, brass hilt retains
99% of its original gold gilt and the leather washer is strong and intact. The
grips are wrapped in high quality, dark colored rayskin that is tightly bound
with double-twisted brass wire around the handle, all of which is original and
in excellent condition.
The black leather scabbard
exhibits a smooth leather surface overall and is a complete specimen with brass
furniture and no weak areas, cracking or flaking. The upper mount also has the
Ames maker mark.
This sword is truly rare and beautiful!
SOLD!!! (dm-1) |