Real or Faux? 1860 Ames Sabre Real or Replica?

[BlueSound]

Hey all,

I acquired this 1865 Ames Sabre, but new to collecting and wondering if it is a reproduction or real? It does have a small repair on the guard attachment (see photo), as well as the scabbard (which doesn't seem to be a perfect fit). Also, the initials JAA were scratched onto the top of the guard (see photo); is it likely these were the initials of the solider it belonged to? What is something like this worth? Thanks for your help!

 

[Bonedaddy]

Looks real to me. Maybe the handle has been rewrapped at some point. Can't give you an accurate estimate of value; just a guess. To me, if I were looking for one, would be $300-$500 (but I'm old and cheap!) I believe that the late war sabers don't sell as well as the earlier and mid war dated pieces. Good luck.

 

[BlueSound]

Thanks so much for your input! I think you're right about the older sabers being harder to sell. Thankfully, I'm planning to keep it for a long time! I was just making sure I didn't get ripped off haha.

Do you have thoughts on the initials on the top? JAA? (The crude, etched writing, not the stamps).

 

[JimW]

The AHK is Albert H. Kirkham who was an inspector from 1862-1864.

G.K.C. ~ George K. Charter (1861)

https://www.americanswords.com/common-inspector-marks.html

 

[BlueSound]

The AHK is Albert H. Kirkham who was an inspector from 1862-1864.

G.K.C. ~ George K. Charter (1861)

https://www.americanswords.com/common-inspector-marks.html

Thanks! I think this sword is from 1865, so after these dates. Is that a red flag?

 

[gary]

I very much doubt if it was Kirkman's sword. The engraving of the initials is by an unskilled person.

 

[BlueSound]

I very much doubt if it was Kirkman's sword. The engraving of the initials is by an unskilled person.

Thanks! Sorry, who is Kirkman?

 

[bobinwmass]

Most of the sabers dated 1865 were delivered too late to see actual use during the Civil War, which is why many CW collectors prefer and will pay a bit more for an earlier date. But many of the sabers continued to be used through the Indian War years and into the early part of the 20th century by Federal troops and State Militia/National Guard. By the 1880's Bannermann and others were also selling them at discount prices as war souvenirs. It is likely the scratched initials are someone who used it after the CW.

 

[JimW]

Thanks! Sorry, who is Kirkman?

The stamped initials on the blade above the date.

 

[BlueSound]

The stamped initials on the blade above the date.

Oh sorry, thanks! So it doesn't look like an authentic Kirkman stamp to you? Edit: Whoops, I think it was Gary who didn't feel like it was consistent with Kirkman's other stamps

 

[bayonet]

I was just making sure I didn't get ripped off haha.

That would depend on what you paid for it?

 

[BlueSound]

That would depend on what you paid for it?

300

 

[BlueSound]

I very much doubt if it was Kirkman's sword. The engraving of the initials is by an unskilled person.

I found this authenticated example of a musicians sword inspected by Kirkman; the initial stamp appears quite similar, at least by my untrained eyes (though it still doesn't solve the 1865 question).

 

[BlueSound]

It also seems there may be at least one other Sabre I found with AHK from 1865, unless it is a reproduction. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1706391406207245/posts/2780215615491480/

 

[BlueSound]

That would depend on what you paid for it?

300--think it was a fair price?