U.S. Model 1852 Naval Officer's Sword and Scabbard,
Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Massachusetts, mid-19th century.
Gilded brass hilt, the counter-guard with openwork oak leaf, acorn and 'USN' decoration, down turned eagle's head quillon, knuckle bow with serpent's head decoration connecting to a pommel cap with eagle on the top and oak leaf and acorn border decoration, ray skin covered grip with twisted brass wire wrapping, the knuckle bow wrapped in gold braid sword knot; curved single-edge blade with false edge at the tip, single narrow and single wide fuller, the upper two thirds decorated with frosted etched panel decorated with foliate device, 'USN' on a ribbon, fouled anchor eagle on cannon and panoply of arms; black leather scabbard with gilded brass mounts and two suspension rings, the throat mount marked on the back 'AMES MFG CO./CHICOPEE/MASS.'
Blade lg. 26, wd. 31 1/2 in.

Hilt gilding is approx. 40-50%, grip is soiled but in very good condition; blade is in very good condition and bright with only very minor spots of toning and spider web oxidation; scabbard has areas of surface loss but is solid, mounts retain traces of gilding.