Pre-Civil War Ames Artillery Saber Sword with Scabbard from 1854 Mexican War Period

Presented is a Pre-Civil War artillery saber sword with a metal scabbard. It dates to the Mexican War era and is stamped near the handle on one side is, “U.S. A.D.R. 1854”. The other shows the manufacturer, “AMES MFG CO – CHICOPEE MASS”. Ames was a large sword company from that era. It is complete in decent shape with only minor wear. The blade portion measures 32″, handle (5″) and complete 37.25″. The scabbard shows some patina and measures 34.5″.

A saber is a heavy military sword with a long cutting edge and, often, a curved blade. Most commonly a cavalry weapon, the saber was derived from a Hungarian cavalry sword introduced from the Orient in the 18th century; also a light fencing weapon developed in Italy in the 19th century for duelling.