1862 Ames Light Cav Saber

[iron bender]

Picked this up locally at a very reasonable price this weekend. Everything seems right, tight fit up. No inspector marks on drag or guard. Curious, have any of yall seen the grip wrap seamed in the forward position? Thanks for looking!

 

[bobinwmass]

I suspect the saber has been taken apart and the grip has been rewrapped, given the look of that seam, and what appears to be slight unevenness at the pommel tang.

 

[bobinwmass]

Also almost hate to say it, but I wonder if that is an original Ames hilt or a replacement. For such a nice blade you would expect to see the inspector initials you typically see on the pommel brim of an Ames saber. Also, the wire wrapping goes deeper under the brass (by one wrap) then usually seen on an Ames saber. More closely resembles the wrap on a Roby. But just my thoughts, and I've been wrong before. Just seems off to me.

 

[iron bender]

Apples to oranges, but I've got a 64 Roby I'll compare it too later. The forward-facing seam is peculiar, at least to me

 

[bobinwmass]

Even though I didn't start the post, I'm a bit disappointed no other opinions were offered. To me some things look right, some things look off. But I don't consider myself the sword expert. I'd have liked to hear what others thought.

 

[Spathologist]

The blade looks right, but I agree the grip's been re-wrapped. I also think that, with the lack of inspector stamps, the pommel has either been harshly polished or replaced. The guard looks to have casting flaws, which are not a characteristic of Ames sabers and so might also have been replaced.

 

[bayonet]

and what do you consider a "reasonable price"?

 

[iron bender]

$400. The more I look at it and compare to the 64 Roby and 40's Ames', I'm feeling positive it was rebuilt post-war. The guard is overall crude compared to the others, plus the lack of an inspector.

 

[bayonet]

$400. The more I look at it and compare to the 64 Roby and 40's Ames', I'm feeling positive it was rebuilt post-war. The guard is overall crude compared to the others, plus the lack of an inspector.

Could of done worst. Better all legit would cost you $800-1200

 

[iron bender]

Could of done worst. Better all legit would cost you $800-1200

I'm wondering if a local guy (Robert Justice) did the work on this sword. Guy died years back but he was really good.