US M1850 Staff and Field Officer Sword by Ames

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Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer's Sword by Ames with pierced floral decorations and U.S. molded into the guard. The grip is shark-skin bound with twisted brass wire to secure the grip. The slightly curved blade of 31 3/4 inches is in great shape, with some lovely etching in the middle, with U.S. on one side, and the Federal Eagle on the other side. There are multiple military designs etched, as well as quite a lot of foliage motifs. In this case, they chose to stamp the brass top hanger fitting of the scabbard, which would easily take the manufacturer stamping. This example is marked with: AMES MFG. CO. CHICOPEE MASS Ames was one of the major manufacturers of Swords used before and During the Civil War. They made many swords in their factory, which was well-equipped to forge any type of edged weapon. The steel scabbard has brass Officer's mounts to top, center and bottom. The scabbard body is polished steel and anodized. The brass "drag" on the bottom of the scabbard does have some wee dents and wear, and shown in the pictures, but nothing out side of the usual issues sustained in service. Clearly a Sword that was especially ordered for a serving Officer in the Civil War, in really great shape, and ready to display! The Model 1850 Army Staff and Field Officer's Sword was carried by all members of staff departments, Field Grade officers of Artillery and Infantry, Company Grade Officers of Light Artillery, Staff Officers and Aides-de-Camp between 1850 and 1872. It was based on a French pattern. Though other swords were by regulation allowed, this model was by far the most popular sword carried by officers during the American Civil War. The Staff and Field Officers' Sword is distinct from the Model 1850 Army Foot Officer's Sword.