Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword by Ames. Inspected and dated
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
This sword is brass-hilted with a 30 1/2 inch blade. US / ADK / 1850 is stamped on obverse ricasso. 75% of blade etched with military trophies including a Federal Eagle beneath a banner etched "E.PLURIBUS UNUM." Reverse of blade etched with Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass. military trophies and U.S. in the middle. A few slight nicks along the length of the blade. Etching is all clear and sharp. Blade splotchy, shows its age and character. Very slight pitting on tip.
Grip has 100% of original rayskin covering, in excellent condition. The wire wrap is 100% original, intact, and tight. Narrow, full-length split seam where the rayskin has shrunk along the edges of the seam, along the underside of the grip. This would be expected, given its age. Leather washer where hilt meets blade is 100% intact. The guard has openwork Floral pattern, is clean and contains about 60% to 70% of its original gold wash. The disk finial on the upper quillion is bent slightly forward as is so common with this model. No dents or breaks. Overall a good, solid hilt.
No Scabbard
This sword is stamped with an inspection mark of 1850. the Collectors' Guide to Ames US Contract Military Edged Weapons: 1832-1906 by Ron G. Hickox shows that, although 800 of these swords were ordered on April 10, 1850 (550 with 30 1/2 inch blades), the first delivery of 192 swords was made on March 10, 1851. Could this be one of the first 192 produced - inspected in late 1850 but not delivered until early March, 1851???
Overall, I'd say this sword is in "Very Fine" condition (grade 8).
