Ames 1863 Dated Artillery Saber / SOLD

Ames 1863 Dated Artillery Saber - Inventory Number: SWO 268 / SOLD

An original, mid-war enlisted Model 1840 light artillery saber that is complete with its original metal scabbard. Termed an Ames Type 2, this variation was manufactured from 1860 through 1865 and features a saber that has a flush handguard on the blade side without a recess and its matching scabbard has a throat collar mount similar to the M1860 cavalry model. 

Blade and scabbard are both in very good condition. Made for light artillery (mounted units), this edged weapon was contracted by the government and delivered in 1863. Clearly marked on the obverse ricasso of the blade is the stamping “U.S / DR / 1863” in block format. Reverse ricasso of blade bears the maker address of  “AMES MFg Co / CHICOPEE / MASS” in very light but readable markings. This saber has a 32¼” long, curved, single edged steel blade with a flat top and a single wide fuller.  Blade is in very good condition and exhibits a light, semi-bright sheen with just normal pinprick and age age coloration overall. Blade is in excellent shape with no edge nicks visible. 

Original leather washer pad is strong and intact. The brass pommel has a 3/8” high, domed cap and bears no inspector marks.  Entire brass hilt, including the pommel has acquired a rich, pleasing bronze patina.  Original grips, strong and tight, consist of a turned, wooden handle with sixteen grooves wrapped with a dry black bridle leather and encircled with original, twisted, brass wire wrap.  Wire wrap is tight.

The undented iron scabbard exhibits a smooth plum-colored patina overall and is in fine condition with just mild small peppery pitting near the top ring mount.  Drag not stamped. The large, iron, ring bands are tight and suspend the two sword suspension rings. This is a very nice 1863-dated Ames specimen M1840 artillery saber is a true wartime artifact of the Civil War.

Inventory Number: SWO 268 / SOLD