Authenticating a saber

[Jonl51]

Hello All,
I would like to have an Ames Model 1840 Light Artillery Officer's saber examined by an expert to determine authenticity. I'm in the Chicago area. Does anyone know of a real expert on this type of sword who they could suggest? I have the book by John Thillman and it looks promising, but pictures
alone aren't enough. Thank you!

 

[captaindrew]

There are some sharp blade guys right here, I'm sure if you posted some pictures you'd get some help right here.

 

[Larryh86GT]

Ditto. It certainly can't hurt. And we like seeing pictures of sabers.

 

[Jonl51]

Thanks guys. Here are a few pics.

 

[redbob]

I would be concerned as I don't see any markings on the blade.

 

[Jonl51]

I would be concerned as I don't see any markings on the blade.

Sorry, try these.

 

[Package4]

Are there Ames markings on the ricasso (the area under the guard)? What make you think Ames? The pommel cap is wrong for an Ames Artillery Officer piece, may be French.........

 

[Package4]

Serious doubts about this one, the fuller is very strange, these are some of the most rare swords out there and have been reproduced for years. The Horse Soldier has one right now for $18,000, of course it is a pre war SC sword and has a brass scabbard.

 

[Package4]

Hello All,
I would like to have an Ames Model 1840 Light Artillery Officer's saber examined by an expert to determine authenticity. I'm in the Chicago area. Does anyone know of a real expert on this type of sword who they could suggest? I have the book by John Thillman and it looks promising, but pictures
alone aren't enough. Thank you!

Dave Taylor is in Western Ohio and is very good:

Dave Taylor/Civil War Antiques

P.O. Box 87

Sylvania, Ohio 43560

(419) 842-1863 weekdays eastern time, or (419) 351-3940 evenings.

 

[UCVRelics]

I have to agree with @Package4 with that fuller it is not an Ames blade. If its French there should be markings on the spine.

 

[Package4]

Hello All,
I would like to have an Ames Model 1840 Light Artillery Officer's saber examined by an expert to determine authenticity. I'm in the Chicago area. Does anyone know of a real expert on this type of sword who they could suggest? I have the book by John Thillman and it looks promising, but pictures
alone aren't enough. Thank you!

Are you thinking of purchasing or already own it?

 

[Jonl51]

I have to agree with @Package4 with that fuller it is not an Ames blade. If its French there should be markings on the spine.

Thank you. No markings on spine.

 

[Jonl51]

Are you thinking of purchasing or already own it?

Have owned it for 8 years. Purchased as my first sword from an antique shop for $130, just because of the etching and engraving and it looked very cool. It was not represented as a civil war sword. Only later when I started looking into it I found out what it might be. Woman selling it said it was her father's and he owned it since the 1960s, other than that didn't know anything else about it. For $130, I was good to go, also not
having any idea what it was.

 

[Jonl51]

Are you thinking of purchasing or already own it?

Thank you for your help.

 

[Jonl51]

Any thoughts on the scabbard? The brass mounts appear to be highly embellished and
the chasing looks to be done by hand ( same as the saber ). A seam is visible inside running the length of the scabbard. The throat spring is present.

 

[Package4]

Have owned it for 8 years. Purchased as my first sword from an antique shop for $130, just because of the etching and engraving and it looked very cool. It was not represented as a civil war sword. Only later when I started looking into it I found out what it might be. Woman selling it said it was her father's and he owned it since the 1960s, other than that didn't know anything else about it. For $130, I was good to go, also not
having any idea what it was.

You did very well regardless, even if not original, that price is well worth what you have. I would take it to Dave Taylor or even send it to him for an appraisal. He might even look at some of the pictures and let you know what you might have.

 

[Jonl51]

Thank you Package4.

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

I would be very skeptical of this sword. the chased designs are just too soft, undetailed. The originals were quite sharp. See below. I believe this is a high quality repro, perhaps a product of the infamous House of Swords.

 

[Jonl51]

I would be very skeptical of this sword. the chased designs are just too soft, undetailed. The originals were quite sharp. See below. I believe this is a high quality repro, perhaps a product of the infamous House of Swords.

Yes, it could be a high grade repro, but the details are quite good. Thank you.

 

[Badgercwcollector]

$ 130 Good price anyways. I am no expert by any means but what stood out to me was the band on the scabbard . No matter what it is it will look good on the wall !