29 slightly curved single-edged blade. 5.5 gold gilt brass hilt with pierced guard, sea monster motif forward swept quillon and knucklebow. In ribbon on face of guard.
Ames / Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass. Near ricasso as well as an anchor and shield, panoply of arms and various geometric and foliate motifs. Reverse blade etched with an American eagle, fouled anchor. In a ribbon, and various nautical motifs. Ames marked leather scabbard with gold gilt, fouled anchor mountings and sea serpent drag.
This is a very scarce, maritally marked example of a USN M1852 Naval Officer's sword from the first year of production. Only 500 swords were ordered from Ames and inspected, they were subsequently issued to the 487 US Naval Officers then in service 20 of them were not inspected. A rare and important sword for the US Navy collector.
Ames is probably the most desirable maker amongst American sword collectors. All things considered equal, these swords will almost certainly command a premium above their counterparts.
There is much already written about the The Ames Sword Company (herein referred to as "Ames"). Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers. The Ames Sword Company 1835 - 1865.
By John Hamilton, will cover most of the collector's curiosities. The item "CIVIL WAR M 1852 AMES NAVAL OFFICER SWORD ONE OF 507 MADE" is in sale since Monday, March 4, 2019.This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Edged Weapons". The seller is "rachelemandelgallery" and is located in Chicago Heights, Illinois. This item can be shipped worldwide.