|  |  |  | 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)
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