This is a Model 1850 Foot Officers sword made by the Ames company from the Civil War. The sword measures 35 3/4" overall, with a 30 1/4" blade that measures 1 1/8" wide at the hilt. The blade has a stopped fuller that runs 21" long. The edge has a couple of small nicks, nothing major. There are no makers marks visible on the ricasso. On the obverse side of the blade about an inch above the ricasso a light engraving reads AMES/Chicopee/MASS. The blade is still pretty frosty, and obverse side of the blade has lots of foliate etchings. The reverse side of the blade is etched with more foliate, the letters US, a stand of arms, cannon and flags and ending with foliate. The leather washer is still present, but is very stiff. The brass hilt retains most of the gilt, but has a reddish/copper patina. The hilt is very ornate, with floral designs on the guard, quillion and pommel cap. The pommel cap is secure on the tang, the peen looks to have never been disturbed. The wooden grip is wrapped in marine skin and is 100 percent intact. The double strand brass wire is complete and tight to the grip. There is a small crack along the entire left side of the grip, it looks to be the seam of the wrap. The hilt and grip are still very tight to the blade, with no deflection. There is no scabbard with this one, but it would be a nice addition to your collection.

Item # AA1091

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