November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
This high condition officer's grade sword features a slightly curved polished steel blade with long etched panels and two partial fullers on each side. The right side is etched with foliate designs, arms motifs, a patriotic shield, American flag, patriotic eagle and an "E PLURIBUS UNUM" banner. The ricasso is etched "Ames Mfg Co/ Chicopee/ Mass" as well as stamped "US/ ADK 1861" and on right side stamped with standard Ames markings within a scroll. The government did not typically buy officer's swords, but this one was a government purchase, as it bears inspection marks. The left side features spiraling scrollwork, flags, arms motifs and a large "U.S.". The gilt brass hilt features a pierced guard with detailed chased flowers and scrolls on both sides. The pommel is chased with a flower surrounded by a wreath. The grip is wrapped with shark skin and decorated with twisted gilt brass wire. Black leather scabbard with gilt brass mounts, the left side of the throat mount stamped with Ames markings. CONDITION: Excellent. Blade is excellent, retaining nearly all of its factory finished with scattered areas of grey freckling. The hilt retains approximately 90-95% original gilt finish with some high edge wear. Scabbard is excellent with some scattered marks to surface and some minor cracks and crazing due to age. Mounts retain approximately 95% of their original gilt finish.