A superb example of a U.S. Civil War issue Model 1840 sword, manufactured by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Ames was the largest supplier of edged weapons to the Union forces during the U.S. Civil War (12 Apr,1861 - 09 Apr,1865). Standard features include an all brass handle, the grip giving the appearance of wire wrap but is integral with the handle and the hilt is single branch. The sword comes complete in its straight steel scabbard with intact hanger rings. The scabbard for Ames is usually leather with brass mountings, however many were replaced with more durable iron scabbards in the field such as this one.
The left ricasso is stamped "Made by AMES MFG Co. CHICOPEE" and the right ricasso is stamped "US, A.D.K. 1864". A.D.K. are the initials of weapons inspector Andrew D. King who worked at Ames from 1840 to 1865. There are 2 further inspection stamps to the brass handle and hilt. Note : there are 3 small dents to the scabbard and general wear is commensurate with age. Overall, the condition of the sword is quite exceptional for it's 160 years with the scabbard displaying desirable patina. The sword inserts and unsheathes smoothly. Finding an original Ames Civil War sword is rare in this country for obvious reasons. To find one with an intact leather scabbard would be even rarer but a M1840 with steel scabbard is quite special. Please view thumbnail pics above for more detail and condition.
Side note : Upon the declared secession and formation of the Confederate States of America, the United States Army lost access to its southern arsenals. Independent arms manufacturers became crucial to the success of the U.S. Army. Ames was one of the U.S. Army's most important manufacturers of side arms, swords, and light artillery and the third largest producer of heavy ordnance.
Length (sword) : 88cm
Length (blade) :71.5cm
Length (sheathed) : 101cm
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