[CIVIL WAR]. Excellent US Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer's sword. Manufactured by Ames, Chicopee, MA.

32 in. slightly curved, single-edged spear point blade with 21 1/2 in. stopped median fuller. 38 1/4 in. overall length. Gilt-finished brass half-basket 1850 Staff & Field Officers pattern guard with "US" in face and single knuckle bow and Phrygian helmet pommel cap. Grooved wood grip covered in shagreen and with 14 wraps of twisted brass wire. Obverse ricasso marked in three etched lines "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass." Blade acid etched for approximately 21 in. with martial and patriotic themes, including a spread-winged American eagle on the obverse, panoplies of arms, and a large "US" on the reverse. Sword is accompanied by gilt brass-mounted blued steel scabbard that is marked in three lines on the reverse of the upper mount "AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE / MASS."

______________________________________________________________________________________

Very fine to excellent condition with most of the bright polish and frosty etching remaining on the blade. All decorations remain clear and crisp, markings crisp as well. Hilt with most of the gilt remaining. Shagreen wrap intact with some minor wear, wire intact and tight. Blade to hilt fit is tight with undisturbed peen. Leather throat washer in place. Scabbard very fine with most of the blued finish remaining showing some thinning and loss, mounts with most of their gold gilt remaining. Scabbard crips and free dents and dings.

The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann