Edged Wpns Help authentication of Ames sword

Joined
Feb 1, 2021
Hello,
1st post here, so please be patient if something is wrong. I have what I believe is an Ames 1865 J.T short sword? I took it to an antique dealer and he seems to feel it's authentic. He wasn't sure about the Eagle on the end? He started one wing was different? I will post some pictures, I hope!? Much appreciated for any feedback.

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Looks right as rain. Its a model 1832 artillery short sword with an 1856 date. The JH is for sub-inspector John Hannis. Nice rig especially with the belt scabbard and frog.
 
Looks right as rain. Its a model 1832 artillery short sword with an 1856 date. The JH is for sub-inspector John Hannis. Nice rig especially with the belt scabbard and frog.
Thanks for letting me know. I was almost positive it was. Been sitting in my Mom's closet for 50+ years. I know she would not have saved this if it wasn't real. She also had a Regal Steel mandolin from the 30-40s.
 
You have an extremely nice piece there. To have it with the scabbard and leather rig is outstanding. Does it have any family history?

If you want advice on how to clean it, I'd be happy to give my opinion. My opinion will differ from others, some dislike the word "cleaning". The key is preservation, and keeping a piece clean is part of preservation. If you want to hear it I'll write it out.
 
You have an extremely nice piece there. To have it with the scabbard and leather rig is outstanding. Does it have any family history?

If you want advice on how to clean it, I'd be happy to give my opinion. My opinion will differ from others, some dislike the word "cleaning". The key is preservation, and keeping a piece clean is part of preservation. If you want to hear it I'll write it out.
Oh, no family history tied to this piece.
 
Thanks for letting me know. I was almost positive it was. Been sitting in my Mom's closet for 50+ years. I know she would not have saved this if it wasn't real. She also had a Regal Steel mandolin from the 30-40s.
Very cool. As an owner of a vintage mando myself (but not a resonator model) I'm envious. I hope you find somebody who wants to play it (if not yourself), assuming it's in playable condition.
 
Sure, I was hesitant about cleaning it. Vinegar and baking soda was what I came across after Googling it.

Hesitant is good. I believe in cleaning, but not changing the patina whatsoever. Easier said then done sometimes, but "dirt" needs to be removed in my opinion.

The green you see at the top of the handle is a chemical reaction. It could be left over Brasso from a previous cleaning/polishing. It could just be a reaction to oxygen/humidity/etc where it was stored. I would start out very gently with a soft bristle toothbrush and a mild dish soap or Murphy's soap. See what you can get off.

There's rust on the blade that needs removed. I use a brass rifle cartridge to scrape rust off. The brass being softer then steel won't harm the blade. After scraping with the brass you'll see some brass color on the steel. That's just brass dust and it will wipe right off with a cloth. I then use a soft kitchen sponge with the green pad to help get in the tiny cavities. After you think you have all the rust removed, a good gun oil wiped on the blade and you're good to go.

Hope that helps.
 
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