Confederate Cavalry Sword
Memphis Novelty Works  
Letter of Authentication from Old South Military Antiques, LLC ~ Shannon W. Pritchard: "This beautiful Confederate Cavalry Sword was manufactured by the Memphis Novelty Works, Thomas Leech & Co.  Leech began the manufacture of all manor of weapons at Main and McCall Streets, Memphis, Tennessee in September of 1861. Shortly thereafter, he was joined by Charles Rigdon. Leech and Rigdon moved their manufactory to Columbus, George in May of 1862 when Memphis fell to the Yankees. Thus, the highly desirable three-line address stamped into the quillion clearly shows the time and place of manufacture. it had to be produced in Memphis, between September of 1861 when Leech went into the sword business, and May of 1862 when Memphis fell. The sword, in its original scabbard . . . is in excellent condition. The sword retains one hundred percent of its original leather grip wrap. The two strand copper wire has obviously been loose at some point, pulled tight and reattached. it is my considered opinion that the wire wrap is the original to this sword because it is apparent by the alternating twist direction that the two strands had been previously used on a sword and when it was tightened it was not done by a conservator, but rather by someone who made no effort to conceal that it had been retightened.  The sword's blade is in near new condition; it is smooth and bright from ricasso to point and does not have a single edge nick.  The throat washer appears to be a replacement. The brass throat is original and tight as are the brass ring mounts and the iron rings.  The scabbard's iron is smooth with the exception of one very light push.  The sword comes with a written examination report from noted collector Fred Edmunds."
$11500.00 - BK112

Roby Cavalry Officers Sabre Engraved Hilt Type II
Fantastic Blade showing 95% of its original engraving with frosting intact. Blade is marked "U.S.C." and has "1862" etched in the center flag of the panoply of flags and arms. There are no nicks on the blade. Shark skin grip is in good - fine condition showing some handling wear.  The wire wrap is complete and tight.  Brass guard has an engraved foliate overall including the guard branches.  Guard shows approx. 50% of its original gold wash. Pommel cap is engraved and has the same finish. Main spline of the guard is engraved on the flat with a name and date "July 23, 1863".  Date is sharp, however the remained of the engraving needs further research.  Steel scabbard is in excellent untouched condition with the brass mounts and drag also highly engraved.  Scabbard is dent free.  This sword is in un-cleaned and un-touched condition. With expert cleaning, this sword could look like new! We are leaving it up to the new owner to make that decision.
A wonderful addition to any collection!!!
$12,500.00 - E343

M1850 Ames Foot Officers Sword
Blade has 98% original etching. Leather ricasso washer is original.  Shagreen grip is tight and complete. Hilt and pommel cap have approx. 98%+ original gold gilt.  Leather scabbard is complete with only a few minor age cracks. Brass mounts have 90% original gold gilt. Scabbard is also marked "Ames Mfg. Co. / Chicopee / Mass.".
$6500.00 - E333

M1850 Staff & Field Officers Sword Mfg. by Klingenthal  
Blade back engraved "Coulaux & Cie Klingenthal" with clear inspector and receiver  marks on the face of the blade ricasso. Ricasso washer is missing. Acid etched blade retains 99%+ of its original etching.  Hilt and guard have 99% of its original wash.  Shagreen grip and wire are like new. Steel scabbard with brass mounts and drag are in excellent condition with the original brown lacquer finish.  Overall a 95%+ sword.  Ref. Civil War Army Swords by Thillmann
$4295.00 - E342

M1850 Staff and Field - Unmarked
Blade is in fine condition with very minor pitting towards tip.  Acid etching on both sides is in fine condition with only minor loss of the etched frosting.  Shark skin grip is complete and tight showing a normal wear pattern. Original leather ricasso washer is in tact. Brass handle and guard show approx. 30% of original gilt.  Scabbard is in overall fine condition with only minor wear to the original brown lacquered finish.  Brass mounts and throat are in fine condition with a few very minor dings on the drag. A Quality Staff & Field.
$3250.00 - 10-397 

Non Regulation Staff & Field Officers Sword by Clauberg
In the British Pattern, Ref. Civil War Army Swords by Thillmann. The blade is in its original polished bright and finished with its acid etching. I would rate this blade at 98%. The brass guard and pommel cap are in excellent condition with the original engraved and cast surfaces.  It retains an original untouched patina.  The ricasso washer is original and the shagreen grip and wire wrap are in excellent condition and tight. The steel scabbard is in fine to excellent condition with its original engraved brass mounts and drag.  It retains approx. 90% of its original blued finish.  All pieces are fitted and have the original "15" assembly marks. A beautiful example!
$4495.00 - JS377

M1850 Foot Officers Sword by Horstmann & Sons, Phila.
Blade is in very good to fine condition with all etching intact but the frosting is washed out.  There are no nicks on the blade edge. Retains the original ricasso washer.  Guard and pommel cap are in excellent retaining approx. 85% of the original wash. Leather grip and twisted wire wrap are in fine condition and tight.  Leather scabbard is also in fine condition with the brass mount and drags showing approx. 90% of the original gold wash. A very attractive sword. 
$2895.00 - E337

M1850 Foot Officers Sword Unmarked
A pristine example of a Foot Officers Sword with a 98% condition blade.  Hilt retains 95% of original gold gilt. Sharkskin grip and wire wrap are in excellent condition. Scabbard Leather has minor surface flaking but strong. Brass mounts and drag are in 95% condition. Here's a chance to own a pristine Foot Officers Sword for thousands less than you would pay for an Ames in the same condition. A rare opportunity.
$2850.00 - E240

M1840 Tiffany Cavalry Sabre
Blade is in fine condition with approx. 85% of it's original polish with 2 very minor nicks on blade edge. Blade markings are sharp and clear. Iron hilt is in fine condition developing a nice tan patina overall.  Leather grip and twisted wire wrap are in fine condition and tight. Iron scabbard is also very nice with a few very minor carrying dings.
$1895.00 - E322

M1840 Cavalry Sabre
Mfg. by C. Charles Hammond, Phila., PA
Blade is exceptionally nice with no pitting and approx. 85% of the original polish.  The blade address "C. Hammond" is very good. The Brass hilt has a nice patina and is not bent, but is a little loose and can easily be tightened.  The leather covered grip is in very good condition and tight showing a little handling wear with one piece of wire missing (a small piece, being the second from the top, as shown in the picture). The remainder of the wire is tight. The scabbard has a nice dark patina with only one very small push near the drag. A reference for C. Hammond can be found in Confederate Edged Weapons, by Albaugh page 64 and in Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabres, by Thillmann.  Either way, this is a very rare maker.
$2795.00 - E298

M1840 Cavalry Sabre Mfg. by Sheble & Fisher, Phila.
Blade is in fine condition with no pitting or nicks. It shows high polish with good sharp markings. The leather grip and wire wrap are 100% in tact and tight. The leather ricasso washer is 100% and original. Scabbard has a nice patina and no dents. A very nice wristbreaker.
$2195.00 - E304

M1860 Cavalry Sabre by C. Roby, W. Chelmsford, Mass.
Dated 1864.  Marked "US" with "AGM" inspection on the sword and "DFM" inspection on the scabbard.  Blade is in fine+ condition with all of its original polish.  There are no nicks on the blade and it is set with its original ricasso washer.  The brass hilt has never been cleaned and retains approx. 75% of a gilted finish.  This finish is seldom seen on enlisted swords.  The leather grip shows minor wear with the twisted wire wrap tight and in tact. Scabbard is in excellent condition with no dents. An excellent contract makers sabre.
$1895.00 - E307

M1840 Cavalry Sabre S&K Inspected
Sword has a wonderful blade with original polish and cross burnishing. Original leather ricasso washer.  A fine leather grip with twisted wire, is tight and complete. Brass hilt is in excellent condition.  Metal scabbard steel scabbard is dent free and has been cleaned.  A real nice early sword for a very good price.
$950.00 - E272

M1840 Ames Artillery Sabre dated 1864
Blade is nick free with no pitting and excellent markings. I would rate the blade in fine condition.  Original leather ricasso washer in tact.  Leather grip and wire are 100% and in excellent condition. Pommel cap has "JH" inspection. Scabbard is in excellent condition with a nice even brown patina overall with inspector mark "O.D.H." on drag.
$1950.00 - E280

Incredible 1840 Ames Sword Collection!!

M1840 Ames Cavalry Sabre Dated 1846  
Blade is in fine condition with 1 nick on the blade edge and showing much of its original bright. Markings are sharp and clear.  Ricasso washer is original. Guard has a nice patina with sharp inspector marks. Original wire and leather grip are in fine condition and tight.  Steel scabbard is dent free and shows the same inspector on the drag as on the sword blade.
$3295.00 - E340

M1840 Ames Cavalry Sabre Dated 1848
Blade is in fine condition showing some surface spotting but no rust of imperfections. Blade is nick free.  Markings are sharp and clear. Guard has an excellent uncleaned patina.  Grip and wire are in excellent condition. Pommel cap shows sharp inspection marks.  Steel scabbard is in fine condition with 2 small dents near the drag. Drag is also inspected..
$3195.00 - E341

M1840 Ames Cavalry Sabre Dated 1858
Blade is in very good to fine condition with crisp markings -  "US / JH / 1858" and "Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass" on the obverse.  Guard has a beautiful mellow patina with "JH" and "WAT" inspection on the pommel. Leather grip and twisted wire wrap is perfect and one of the best I have seen. The original leather Ricasso washer is present but with 2 corners torn off. Scabbard is in fine condition with 2 small dents at the drag. Drag has "JH" inspection.  This sword is very rare being the last year of production for the Model 1840. 
$3695.00 - E347 - SOLD

M1860 Ames Cavalry Sabre Dated 1864
Blade is in excellent condition with its original bright polish and no nicks or rust. Blade is inspected and dated 1864. All markings are sharp and clear. Leather ricasso washer is 100% and in tact.  Leather grip and grip wire are in excellent condition and tight. Brass guard has never been polished and has a beautiful mustard patina. Pommel cap has "ADK" inspection. Scabbard is rust free and in fine condition with one small dent near the drag. Drag has "J.F." inspection.  A very fine example.
$2100.00 - E332

M1833 Ames Dragoon Sabre Dated 1837
Blade is in excellent condition with only very minor nicks along blade edge. Blade is etched "NP Ames / Cutler / Springfield / 1837" and "United States" on the obverse. Brass guard and pommel are in fine condition with good "WS" inspection along with "H.K.C. / ORD". Leather grip has some flaking and should be treated with conditioner. Wire wrap is tight and complete. Ricasso washer is original and complete. Scabbard is in fine condition with virtually no dents. The drag has "WS" inspection and "M.P.L." on the obverse. An excellent untouched Dragoon. 
$3295.00 - E346

M1833 Ames Dragoon Sabre Dated 1838    
Blade is in very good to fine condition but the lettered engraving is very faint.  You can still see the "8" showing the 1838 date and on the obverse you can still see parts of "United States". About 1/3 of the manufacturing engraving is visible. Leather ricasso washer is 100% intact. Brass counter guard has good inspection marks with a Massachusetts stamp on the quillion.  Scabbard is in good condition with no dents, but showing a lot of pitting on the drag with only traces of the ordnance stamp. Absolutely an original scabbard for the sword. Priced to sell!
$2695.00 - E328

Ames Militia Officers Sword ~ Presentation Grade  
Mfg. between 1850-1860. Blade has all of the original etching visible but is getting light ~ as is usual. "Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass" etching is visible. Brass guard is an unusual pattern not often seen and has typical the helmet head pommel and chain. All retain approx. 95% original gold gilt. Mother of Pearl plaque grips are in excellent condition with the original twisted wire wrap. Brass scabbard is highly engraved and retains approx. 90% of its original gold wash. Scabbard is Ames maker marked and had two dents near the drag - one on the front and one matching on the back. A high quality sword.
$3800.00 - E330

M1832 Ames Artillery Short Sword with White Buff Belt, 2-Piece US Buckle & Frog
Sword blade is in extra fine condition with very sharp markings and inspection.  Solid brass hilt has sharp inspection and markings and in excellent condition. Leather scabbard is in fine condition with no breaks or tears but has some flaking of leather finish near the drag. White buff belt is immaculate - the best we've ever had.
$5295.00 - E336

M1860 Ames Naval Cutlass
Brass counter guard basket has nice mustard yellow patina with very minor denting. Blade has nice dark patina with minor rusting. Light but legible 1862 stamp. Leather handle approx. 85% with wire wrap missing as usual. Leather scabbard is complete with riveting and approx. 1/4" shrinkage to blade length - has weak spot near tip but not broken.
$1495.00 E158

M1840 Ames NCO d1864
Blade overall has 90+% of its original finish and luster with some light surface imperfection near the point. Markings are sharp and clear with a "GKC" inspection on the blade.  Brass hilt is in extra fine condition retaining 90% of the original gilt. "GWC" inspection on the guard. Leather scabbard is exceptional with the brass fittings having 90% of the original gilt with "GWC" inspection on the drag.
$1395.00 - BR155

M1840 Ames NCO Sword Dated 1864
Mfg. by Ames Mfg. Co. Chicopee, Mass.  Blade is in fine condition showing approx. 85% of original bright polish. Stampings are clear and inspected by "HDH". Brass counter guard is in fine condition with "HDH" inspection at ricasso and "JR" inspection on counter guard.  A nice matching mustard patina on all brass. Leather scabbard is in very good to fine condition and strong with no splits on seam. Brass drag has "GWC" inspection. A nice example.
$825.00 - E249

M1840 Ames NCO Sword Dated 1864
Blade is in excellent condition with original high polished finish with good sharp markings and inspection. Original ricasso washer.  Hilt is inspected and retains a beautiful dark unpolished mustard patina.  Scabbard brass is in identical condition with inspection on drag. Leather scabbard body is in strong condition with slight cracking on face.  Overall a fine+ condition sword.
$895.00 - E242