Turn of the 20th Century
U.S. Cavalry Officer’s Presentation Sword
Presented is a very fine U.S. Cavalry Officer’s Presentation Sword by the Henderson-Ames Co. of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Dimensions: Overall Lgth: n 37 1/4″ Blade Lgth: 31″ Width: 5/8″ Wt: 2 lbs, 3 5/8 oz. Hilt Lgth: 5 3/4″
In 1893, the Henderson-Ames Company was officially formed when Henderson consolidated with the Chicago branch of the Ames Sword Company in Chicopee, Massachusetts. They were awarded the medal and diploma for excellence of quality and design at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. They produced Cavalry Officers Presentation Swords for General Staff Officers between 1893 and 1923.
The scabbard, which was very badly pitted, has been re-chromed and the brass on the scabbard polished. The blade has some rust on the lower edges beyond the scroll work which has a darkened patina. The single-strand wire wraps are tight over the shagreen grip and most of the gilding has worn off with a patina of age. The blade scroll shows a prominent “U.S.” on one side and a spread eagle with “E Pluribus Unum” on the other. All parts are firm in the hilt.
This is a beautiful presentation sword representative of its era and will make a wonderful gift or addition to any period armament collection