This U.S. Model 1840 musicians' sword was made by Ames in 1864. The blade is 32 inches long with a 30.75-inch fuller and wears a dark grey patina with scattered oxidation throughout. The ricasso is marked US over AHK over 1864, and the opposite side carries a faint Ames, Chicopee, MA maker's mark. The brass hilt, guard and pommel are in very good condition with an attractive patina. It is catalogued under swords as SKU SW1887 and sold used.

A dated Ames sword with legible ricasso markings suits a Texas collector of American military edged weapons who wants a documented 1864 piece with its maker and date readable on the blade. The dark patina and spot oxidation are stated plainly, so judge the steel from the photographs while noting that the brass furniture grades higher than the blade. No scabbard is mentioned, so assume the sword comes alone.

Key features

• Made by Ames, dated 1864
• 32-inch blade, 30.75-inch fuller
• Ricasso marked US/AHK/1864
• Faint Ames Chicopee MA mark
• Brass hilt, guard and pommel very good

This sword ships to your door in Texas with no transfer paperwork.