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

30 1/2 in. slightly curved, single-edged spear point blade with 20 1/2 in. stopped median fuller. 36 1/2 in. overall length. Gilt-finished brass half-basket 1850 Foot Officers pattern guard with single knuckle bow and Phrygian helmet pommel cap. Grooved wood grip covered in shagreen and with 15 wraps of twisted brass wire. Obverse ricasso marked in three etched lines "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass." Blade acid etched for approximately 18 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 leather scabbard that is marked in three lines on the reverse of the upper mount "AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE / MASS."

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Sword in 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 much of the gilt remaining. Shagreen wrap intact with some minor wear, wire intact with some minor looseness. Blade to hilt fit is tight with untouched peen. White buff throat washer in place. Scabbard with some flaking and crazing to the finish, showing some minor surface creases but remaining solid and strong. Mounts with most of their gold gilt remaining.

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