Need help with Ames cavalry saber

[scooter748driver]

Ran across this well worn Cavalry saber by Ames. Dated 1845 and has inspector initials on blade and pommel. The wire is missing and but the leather is mostly present. Scabbard is dark with age and blade has age spots. Does have a Stuart saber hanger with it.

Price is $999.98 but I can get it for $900 out the door I think. (Tried to negotiate lower but seller won't budge). My question is this: is this a reasonable price for this saber?

Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you.

 

[bobinwmass]

Ran across this well worn Cavalry saber by Ames. Dated 1845 and has inspector initials on blade and pommel. The wire is missing and but the leather is mostly present. Scabbard is dark with age and blade has age spots. Does have a Stuart saber hanger with it.

Price is $999.98 but I can get it for $900 out the door I think. (Tried to negotiate lower but seller won't budge). My question is this: is this a reasonable price for this saber?

Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you.

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Normally given the gray blade and missing wire, I would think the price is too high. But some people put a premium value on the early date as also could have have been used in War with Mexico. Choice is yours, for similar money may be able to get a nicer one but with later date.

 

[scooter748driver]

Thank you for the feedback. Yes, the only thing attractive about it is the 1845 date. I understand there were only 600 accepted by the US in 1845 (the first 600 of a contract of 2000). If I could get it for $700 or so then I would purchase it.

My question is, does the 1845 date command $900? I'd like to see what others think as well. Thanks!

 

[Championhilz]

Thank you for the feedback. Yes, the only thing attractive about it is the 1845 date. I understand there were only 600 accepted by the US in 1845 (the first 600 of a contract of 2000). If I could get it for $700 or so then I would purchase it.

My question is, does the 1845 date command $900? I'd like to see what others think as well. Thanks!

I agree with Bob, normally I would say that the price is too high for the condition, but that 1845 date is attractive. The chance that it could be a two-war veteran might make it worth the asking price to the right buyer.

 

[UCVRelics]

Ran across this well worn Cavalry saber by Ames. Dated 1845 and has inspector initials on blade and pommel. The wire is missing and but the leather is mostly present. Scabbard is dark with age and blade has age spots. Does have a Stuart saber hanger with it.

Price is $999.98 but I can get it for $900 out the door I think. (Tried to negotiate lower but seller won't budge). My question is this: is this a reasonable price for this saber?

Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you.

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You can find them from time to time in a lot better shape for that price. Keep looking. Look on the top scabbard ring and see if you see this D just to make sure the scabbard is original to the sword or at least an Ames scabbard.

 

[gjpratt]

Normally given the gray blade and missing wire, I would think the price is too high. But some people put a premium value on the early date as also could have have been used in War with Mexico. Choice is yours, for similar money may be able to get a nicer one but with later date.

I agree

 

[scooter748driver]

Ok. Thank you all. I'll pass on this one.

I did ask whether the owner would sell the Stuart saber holder but he wouldn't. What would a fair price e for one?

 

[UCVRelics]

Ok. Thank you all. I'll pass on this one.

I did ask whether the owner would sell the Stuart saber holder but he wouldn't. What would a fair price e for one?

You need to make sure it not an Indian War period one as they were used well into the Indian war period. If CW depending on condition $150, Indian War $50 -$75

 

[scooter748driver]

I know we're off topic a bit, but did the civil war version use brass buttons or did they use brass latches? I'm thinking the Indian wars ones used the latches but I may have it backwards. The one with the sword in question uses the brass buttons that go through slots in the leather straps.

 

[UCVRelics]

I know we're off topic a bit, but did the civil war version use brass buttons or did they use brass latches? I'm thinking the Indian wars ones used the latches but I may have it backwards. The one with the sword in question uses the brass buttons that go through slots in the leather straps.

The CW 1856 pattern used latches and most are marked Frankfort Arsenal. Indian War RIA marked.

 

[scooter748driver]

Perfect! Thank you

 

[bayonet]

You can find them from time to time in a lot better shape for that price. Keep looking. Look on the top scabbard ring and see if you see this D just to make sure the scabbard is original to the sword or at least an Ames scabbard.

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Are you saying all AMES scabbards have that D mark? Even the M1860s or just the M1840s?

 

[UCVRelics]

Are you saying all AMES scabbards have that D mark? Even the M1860s or just the M1840s?

No I'm not as the tread is about an Ames model 1840. The 1860's did not have the same inspectors.

 

[bobinwmass]

Just to clarify, the inspector letter on the top ring mount is found only on the earliest of the Model 1840 Cavalry sabers. The letter "P" is also shown in Thillmann's book. Not sure what year the change occurred, but by 1850 (as in the case of one I own) the inspector initials were moved to the scabbard drag. Just didn't want anyone with a later 1840 thinking their scabbard was fake as couldn't find an inspector initial on the ring mount.

 

[scooter748driver]

Great info - thank you for clarifying! I'm always learning something new here

 

[bayonet]

No I'm not as the tread is about an Ames model 1840. The 1860's did not have the same inspectors.

Well that's good to hear, you had me nervous for a moment when I took my M1860 off the wall and put the scabbard under a magnifying glass.

 

[bayonet]

Now hear is a question I probably got answered long ago but forgot. Why is the Blade ricasso have a different Inspectors initials than the Pommel of the Hilt? Case in point my 1860 Saber dated 1859 the blade is GGS but the Hilt is JH. Did one Inspect the blades at the factory and another inspect the Hilts? Or was one a factory Inspector and the other a Government Inspector once the item was shipped and sold to the Government to inspect and approve? The answer is probably in a book on my shelf somewhere but I'll bet I get a quicker answer here!

 

[UCVRelics]

The pommel inspector marks were Ames and not government. The blade was gov hence the US above the initials.

 

[Sundance]

Do you think they would go $800. or $850? It's great getting that scabbard (if correct) and the hanger. As some would say "You just bought it a little early".

 

[scooter748driver]

I asked several times. They said they'll do $900 out the door. If you figure the hanger (which if I understand correctly is post war) is worth around $50 or so, and with local sales tax, I'd be paying about $790 for the sword & scabbard. Not sure if it's worth that or not.

If they'd go $850 out the door I'd probably buy it. Seems silly to lose $850 over $50 difference but it's not my business and they can run it as they think best.