Ames 1850 Foot Officers Sword

[amx686970]

Hey guys,

Any Union Civil War sword experts out there?

I found an 1850 Ames foot officers sword for sale but it baffles me because it does not have etching on the blade as most of foot officer blades have.  It has the stamped Ames scroll and plain blade without a date.  It also has a full metal scabbard that resembles the enlisted man's scabbard.  I thought all foot officers came standard with leather scabbards or possibly an upgrade to a metal scabbard similar to the ones on the staff & field officers with fancy ring bands.  The scabbard on this one is plain with narrow ring bands like the ones on the enlisted sword such as an 1860 model cavalry saber.

The sword looks to be nice but the Ames stamping is faint.  It is visible with the naked eye but very light and doesn't show up in photos.  

Anyone have experience on this one.

Thanks,
Robert

[yud]

Not the 1st clue, but it looks cool

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Shoot John (Hawkchucker) a pm, as he might well know

[amx686970]

Shoot John (Hawkchucker) a pm, as he might well know

Thanks Mike...sent pm and waiting.

Robert

[Smitty44]

http://landandseacollection.com/id647.html

Click on the above,it might help some.

[amx686970]

http://landandseacollection.com/id647.html

Click on the above,it might help some.
[/quote

Thanks for the link...I am familiar with these swords for the most part but it baffles me when something changes from the norm like the plain blade and different scabbard.  I know that often times rare examples surface which have slight variations such as this one.  Most of the time someone has altered the original sword which just devalues the sword.  Unfortunately I haven't seen it in person and am relying on an amateur description.  I'll press him for more info and pictures...maybe the etching has just worn off making him think it is a plain blade.  The scabbard could simply be a replacement that someone picked up after the war.

Robert

[hawkchucker]

Sent photos to a friend today. Will let you know what he says.

[amx686970]

Sent photos to a friend today. Will let you know what he says.

Thanks for the help but the opportunity to purchase has now passed.  If you get an answer I am still interested as I deal with swords on occasion and run across various types.  I typically stay with Civil War period cavalry and artillery but occasionally venture out with the foot officer swords. 

Robert