Hi Everyone just want to say hello I'm the new kid on the block. Figure id break the ice with a sword I've had a long time and any info on it would be great.
Welcome to the group from middle Alabama and it appears that you have a Model 1860 Light Cavalry Sabre manufactured by the Ames Company in Chicopee, Mass. in 1864, inspected/accepted by DR and having New Jersey connections (the N.J).
Thanks for the help with it. What would be the reason for the NJ stamp was it stationed there at one time?. Is this a common sword and would you know the production of them. Ive had it so long and know nothing about it.
Thanks for the help with it. What would be the reason for the NJ stamp was it stationed there at one time?. Is this a common sword and would you know the production of them. Ive had it so long and know nothing about it.
These were probably the most heavily manufactured sabre in the Civil War with large numbers coming from Ames. The DR most likely stands for Daniel Reynolds who was the government inspector and at one time in it's career it was sent/owned/issued to the State of New Jersey. While not rare or particularly valuable, it's still a nice piece.
Welcome From THE Heart Of Dixie. Nice sword. There has always been discussions on NJ marked Ames swords as NJ did not have a contract with Ames. They did however have one with Emerson & Silver of Trenton NJ which is below. Since it was a state contract there is no US & inspectors marks on the NJ was the marked used by NJ when they accepted arms. The speculation has always been that the Ames NJ was stamped post war for NJ Indian War cavalry trooper's
Hi Everyone just want to say hello I'm the new kid on the block. Figure id break the ice with a sword I've had a long time and any info on it would be great.
I'm not really familiar with NJ-contracted swords, but I'm not sure they only had contracts with E&S. Here is a listing for an 1862 NJ-marked cavalry purportedly by Ames.
I believe I've seen others. New Jersey, more than any other state, seemed to mark their weapons whether procured directly or from the government. Although seen primarily on CW weapons, I have a post-CW variant of the M1840 musician sword made by Horstmann with a NJ surcharge.