JSMosby.com Catalog

This is a relatively rare pattern of the Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword by Ames of Chicopee, Mass. It exhibits the Ames die stamp “scroll” address on the reverse ricasso. John Thillmann addresses the scroll marking in his book “Civil War Army Swords” and alleges that swords so marked were manufactured in the first year of the war, possibly earlier. However, Thillmann references the die stamp existing in conjunction with an Ames etched address on the blade. This particular sword does not exhibit the acid--etched address. Furthermore, the blade etching pattern is unique among the etched designs typically found on Ames swords. Note the large eagle with extended body. The “E Pluribus Unum,” which is usually etched inside a ribbon above the eagle, is etched within the foliate above the eagle. An advanced collector of Ames foot officer's swords reports that this is only the fourth such example of this pattern he has encountered. The scabbard has a stitched seam which is typical of Ames swords that also have the scroll address stamped on the accompanying blade. The brass scabbard mount also bears the usual Ames maker and address stamp. The sword and scabbard are in very good condition despite signs of use.