Ames Civil War

 M 1860 Naval Cutlass

 

Presented is an Ames, Civil War, M1860 cutlass in far better than average condition considering its age and use at sea. It is a rare find, considering many of these cutlasses are either missing their scabbard or are being sold with one which is a replica. The condition of the accompanying scabbard is exceptional. It has the expected marks of age, but there are no breaks or deep cracks and it has its frog button. All 40 of the copper rivets running down the back are intact with the one larger at the tip. The knuckle bow has a flange which accepts an elliptical guard which acts as a hand shield. Most all of the original varnish is present, but shows scratching. The curved hand shield is riveted to the flange and forms a solid half basket guard. The guard, leather covering over the wood grip, and wire wrap are perfect.

The Model 1860 cutlass which replaced the Model 1841 saw service during the Civil War, and through the Spanish American War. They likely were used during the early days of World War I. Based on company records, 22,000 of them were made for the Navy and 300 for the Army by  Ames in two Massachusetts plants. The design for this cutlass was copied from the French naval cutlass used from before 1800 when boarding of enemy vessels was common place. The French affectionately called it "Cuillere-a-pot" (the soup ladle) and the comparison is obvious.

MARKINGS: For the perfectionist, the main fault with this cutlass is that over the years the maker's mark and the U.S. Navy imprints have mostly worn off the blade. Remaining on the obverse ricasso is a lonely 186_, and on the inside of the guard at the top 13 M 962. There are no other marks discernible. The last number is the Ames serial number assigned to this weapon and reads as 13,952 out of the 22,300 delivered, including contract extensions.

 

Full basket guard. Varnish shows scratches

Tightly wrapped two strand wire

From the Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations approved a number of uniform changes as announced in NAVADMIN 118/10 March 31. Included in the announcement is the approval of a Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Ceremonial Cutlass for optional wear by E-7 through E-9s. Chief petty officers are authorized to wear the cutlass in full dress uniforms when acting as a member of an official party during a ceremony. However to ensure uniformity, all members of the official party must wear either the cutlass or the sword. Because this is an optional uniform article, Sailors are responsible for the cost of the item. Additional details on the final design and manner of wear of the cutlass will be released in a future Navy message.

Front of guard. Date 186_ is just below washer

CONDITION: The entire hand assembly, guard and grip are in original condition with only scratches as the most minor superficial marks of age over the past 149 years. The patina of the varnish coated brass is pleasing to the eye. The leather is without imperfections and the two strand wire wrap is complete and tight. The blade and all individual parts are tight and correct. The blade has tarnish and patches of grey, and a series of six small nicks on its edge, just forward of its midpoint. The scabbard is of great value since it is impossible to find if missing.

 

Original frog button, and correctly riveted scabbard with no shrinkage.

DIMENSIONS: Cutlass 32" long overall. 26" blade length              

Max width of blade 1 3/16"   Max thickness 5/16"

Fuller 3/4" W x 19" L            Weight 2 lbs 7 oz in scabbard

This is an excellent example of an Ames, Civil War Cutlass and will be appreciated by those who value historic weapons!

 

From polished to grey with minor spotting and little pitting

BRIEF HISTORY Ames Mfg. Co.: The Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Massachusetts, was founded in 1832 by James Tyler Ames and his brother, Nathan Peabody Ames. The company manufactured small tools, cotton machinery, swords, cannons, and did casting of bells. They started production of military contract swords in 1832 with the M1832 foot artillery sword, and ended with the M1906 cavalry saber in 1906. Ames produced more swords for the American military than any other company before or since, totaling over 200,000 swords in service by the end of the Civil War. In that time, at least ten different manufacturing marks were used on the swords. A little knowledge of the company history helps place a date range for when each stamp was used. When the company started producing swords it was led by Nathan P. Ames, and most marks reflected that fact. In 1847, Nathan died and left the company to his brother James. The markings on the blades were immediately changed from N.P. Ames to Ames Mfg. Co. In 1848, the town of Cabotville was incorporated into Chicopee, Massachusetts, and the marks were once again changed to reflect this. Blades dated as late as 1850 may still bear the Cabotville stamp, as the old dies were probably used until they were worn out. In a much reduced state, they are still in business today. Mostly, from an essay by sword expert, Michael McWatters

OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if an error is due to our fault.

International buyers welcome, but must inquire first. You are responsible for knowing your country's import laws covering edged weapons. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on big ticket items.