1863 Ames 1860 Blade

[desertf150]

Hey everyone. Just wanting your opinion on this 1863 Ames 1860 blade. The blade has numerous areas of pitting, but is still pretty clean and shiny. The ridges on the blade are even and well defined, they dont look as if the are worn down by an abrasive of any kind. The blade is covered in minor surface scratches. Trying to determine if these scratches are from normal wear and tear from sliding in and out of the scabbard, handling, etc. or if they are possibly from someone attempting to clean the blade (either properly or improperly). Trying to determine the possible source of the scratches and if they could possibly bring down the value. Sorry for all the pics, but I wanted to show you both sides of the entire blade. Thanks!

 

[Salterr]

I think someone got a little too crazy with the cleaning on this one. The scratches are in multiple directions, hard to get by just pulling the sword out of the scabbard in only one direction. I'd say that hurts the value but then again it all comes down to what type and caliber of item you want in your collection. If you gotta have it then I say go for it. If you save a little longer something else really nice might catch your eye.

 

[bayonet]

The leather grip looks in great condition and since most folks display (as in hang on the wall) it in the scabbard I would not worry about the blade condition. Plus the markings are there and viewable. It ain't that bad considering.

 

[bobinwmass]

I think that blade has had way too much buffing or grinding to remove pitting. In some places it looks like the small upper fuller completely disappears and then reappears further down the blade. But again, it all depends on price and what you are looking to have in your collection.

 

[desertf150]

I think that blade has had way too much buffing or grinding to remove pitting. In some places it looks like the small upper fuller completely disappears and then reappears further down the blade. But again, it all depends on price and what you are looking to have in your collection

Thanks. Yeah, it looks to me like it could have possibly been the victim of some steel wool or something. Guy is asking $425 for it.

 

[bayonet]

Thanks. Yeah, it looks to me like it could have possibly been the victim of some steel wool or something. Guy is asking $425 for it.

All considered that's not too bad, see if you can get him to drop it alittle. Or spend hundreds more (as in double that +) for a better one. Again the Hilt/Grip look good and the markings are there to include the scabbard.

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

Definitely overly aggressive cleaning at some point in it's lifetime.