1853 Ames 1840 calavry sword

[jpointer311]

Hello all. I have ran across what appears to be a 1853 Ames 1840 calavry sword? I have been looking around online and can't find anything for this year sword. The only information I have found is that it was a low production year. Anyone have any information or knowledge on this weapon? I am not selling it but would like an idea of its value?

 

[jpointer311]

A few more pictures.

 

[Jobe Holiday]

The problem with this sword is the time period....1853....the United States wasn't involved in anything militarily speaking, and that is what creates desirability to a military artifact, for the most part anyway. Unless something like this is extremely rare (obscure manufacturer, etc.) it will be on the low end of the pricing scale, just because there aren't a lot of people trying to add it to their collections. The best thing you could do is follow online sales, and go to shows to see what these items actually sell for. Remember, actual selling prices, not tag or asking prices!
J.

 

[jpointer311]

Thank Jobe. I was just curious. Didn't really expect it to be worth all that much. I just couldn't find any ames from that year. I found it hidden in the attic of my dad's old house 10 years ago and just have had it hanging up.

 

[LittleGuy1864]

According to Thillmann, the contract for Ames in 1853 was indeed small, as only 1,200 M1840s were ordered and delivered to the Army. It's a nice saber though, I need to add a few more M1840s to my collection, as they are my favorite model of cavalry saber.

Rebecca

 

[jpointer311]

What kind if value does it have even though it's not during active war?

 

[James N.]

What kind if value does it have even though it's not during active war?

I think the idea that the 1853 date somehow lessens the value is ridiculous! Unlike M.1860's dated 1863, '64, or '65 in perfect condition that only filled a contract but likely never saw use (I have one), this was almost certainly in service somewhere for the duration of the Civil War. The only reason the date *might* matter would be if for some reason the collector wanted an actual veteran of the Mexican War instead.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Jobe Holiday]

I hope no one thinks I meant the 1853 date lessens the value. What I think I said, or meant, is that it makes it a harder sell. So, the Gov't took delivery of 1,200 M-1840 swords in 1853. Where did they go, into storage. Remember, arms manufacture and procurement was a big business in those days. What James N. touched upon about Mexican War dates is exactly what I had said regarding date desirability! Heck, I have an 1853 dated M- 1840 sword myself. Why did I buy it? Because it is inscribed with the owners name on the hand guard, who verifies as a member of the 8th NY Cavalry. I bought it four years ago for $575, with full wrap on the grips and with scabbard.
J.

 

[jpointer311]

Thanks for all the info! Going to look and see if I can find some initials on it. On the other side from the manufacturer it says US and the person who inspected it? Off hand I think it was a.n.k or a.m.k. I will have to look when I get home

 

[Jobe Holiday]

jpointer311 - Regardless of all the banter here, it is a nice legitimate pre-Civil War sword that was most assuredly used in the Great American Civil War. Treat yourself and enjoy the sword!
J.

 

[James N.]

Thanks for all the info! Going to look and see if I can find some initials on it. On the other side from the manufacturer it says US and the person who inspected it? Off hand I think it was a.n.k or a.m.k. I will have to look when I get home

It's most likely A D K for A. D. King, the principal U.S. Government inspector at the Ames factory during the Civil War.

 

[Glen_C]

It's most likely A D K for A. D. King, the principal U.S. Government inspector at the Ames factory during the Civil War.

Yes, I would expect it to be King as the inspector. Per the Hickcox 1992 collector guide for Ames contract swords, active from 1850-1865. The was an Albert H. Kirkham but listed in Hickox's guide only for 1864-1865. Hickox lists 510 delivered May '53 and 610 delivered July '53. The lowest number delivered by year would be 500 swords delivered in 1858. The most in a single year, 1850 with 4,000 delivered. Total 21,700 (if my addition is correct) delivered between 1844-1858.

An interesting appendix in Hickox is a list and number of imported swords by theU.S. Ordnance Department from 1832-1848. They took in 1.000 of the m1840 cavalry swords from S&K in 1848.

The Ames marked m1840 from 1844-1848 will command a premium. Tom Nardi's guide is still fairly valid if looking for insurance coverage values.
http://swordrestorationtn.com/values.htm

Cheers

GC

 

[jpointer311]

Thanks for all the information everyone. Just mounted it on my living wall. I really appreciate all the help!

Jp

 

[jpointer311]

Found some initials on it after fully looking over it. JWP, and ideas?

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

Believe the initials are JWR for James W. Ripley who was an inspector from 1843-1854.

 

[jpointer311]

I think you are correct. So it was inspected by Jwr as well as adk?

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

Correct. Here is a photo from a recent SFI posting (http://www.swordforum.com/forums/sh...-Foot-Officer-Sword-with-ADK-amp-JWR-Markings) showing a M1850 Foot officer sword with ADK and JWR inspectors' stamps on the pommel.

 

[James N.]

Thanks for all the information everyone. Just mounted it on my living wall. I really appreciate all the help!

Jp

Jp, since nobody's taken you to task for this yet, one of our pet peeves around here is the substitution of Calvary (a hill in Jerusalem) for cavalry (mounted soldiers).

 

[jpointer311]

I apologize for that everyone. I didn't even notice I mistyped it twice. This has been corrected.

 

[jpointer311]

I am thinking about selling this sword to obtain something else, I can't seem to find the proper location to post it?