Ames Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber Presented to Lt. James B Finley, 14th Michigan Artillery.

American Civil War

34.5" curved single-edged blade with 27" stopped median fuller. Blade 1" wide at ricasso. 41" in overall length. 6" hilt with brass two branch guard with knuckle bow. Grooved wooden grip missing leather and wire wrap. Obverse ricasso marked US/C.E.W./1864 with reverse ricasso marked AMES MFG/CHICOPE/MASS. The marking is off-center and not fully struck with the last letters of the first two lines missing. Pommel cap with JH inspection. Inside face of guard is inscribed Prest'd to Lt. Ja. B. Finley 14th Mich Baty by Lt. C.W. Peet(?) 2d NY Arty. The sword is accompanied by a steel scabbard with two suspension rings, with no visible inspection at the drag due to pitting.

James B Finley (1831-1905) was a 31 year old "railroader" when he enlisted as a private in the Chicago Board of Trade Battery on August 1, 1862. On August 13, 1864 he was discharged for promotion to 2nd lieutenant and transferred to Michigan 14th Light Artillery. On October 18, 1864 he was promoted to Acting Assistant Adjutant General of the 2nd Brigade of Hardin's Division. The Chicago Board of Trade Independent Battery of Light Artillery was one of the most famous of the Union Army's seeing action in battles of Stones River, Chickamauga, through the Atlanta Campaign and at the Battle of Nashville, to name just the major actions. The 14th Michigan Battery was organized in Kalamazoo, MI in January of 1864 and was assigned to the 22nd Army Corps initially in the 1st brigade of Hardin's Division, then the 2nd brigade of the same division and finally in the 3rd brigade. The regiment was mustered out on July 1, 1865.

From the Collection of George Oldenbourg