Import US Model 1850 Foot Officer's Sword in Ames Steel Scabbard

American Civil War

31.5" slightly curved single-edged spear point blade with a 22.5" stopped median fuller. Blade 1" wide at ricasso. Overall length 37.25" with a 6.25" hilt. Gilt cast brass guard with foliate decorations, grooved wooden grip with leather covering and remnants of twisted wire wrap. Spine of blade etched IRON PROOF. Blade with 19" etched panels featuring foliate scrolls, a large US on the reverse near the ricasso and an American Flag on the obverse. No maker's marks are present. Browned steel scabbard with three-line Ames mark on reverse of upper mount, with gilt brass furniture.

Condition
Good. Blade with moderate oxidation and discoloration showing some surface roughness and patches of darkness. Edge with some nicks and marks. Engraving mostly visible. Hilt with traces of gilt, grip with wear to the leather and missing most of the wire. Throat washer missing. Scabbard with thinned brown finish, traces of gilt on the mounts and the throat loose from the scabbard. Some patches of moderate surface roughness are present on the reverse.

Provenance
From the Collection of George Oldenbourg