Civil War Union Officer’s Saber by Ames U.S. J.H. Inspected and Dated 1861

A Rare and Desirable Civil War Union Officer’s Saber by Ames U.S. J.H. Inspected and Dated 1861.

The 34 and 1/2 inch blade is etched for half its length with foliage and “U.S.”. Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Mass etched in a ribbon. The hilt cast and chased with foliage and an eagle as is proper for an officer’s saber. Fishskin grip bound with twisted copper wire. Steel scabbard is if field type.

Condition of blade is stained with minor pitting particularly towards point but etching and Ames logo are clearly visible. Hilt is clean and undamaged with faint traces of original gilding on the unpolished attractively patinated brass. Fishskin grip is fine with minor shrinkage at seam.

Scabbard with the usual staining and some corrosion on chape. Sword appears to never have been dismounted. U.S. government inspected Civil War officer’s swords are rare as Lincoln’s federal officials quickly figured out that officer’s could afford to pay for their own swords.