West Point sword

[tokashikibob]

What do you guys think of this piece? I have not seen this Ames model at the shows.

http://www.auctionzip.com/auction-lot/Rare-Model-1839-West-Point-Cadet-Sword-by-Ames._6F545D0B40/

 

[Glen_C]

As advertised. Keep in mind that the roster at the time was smaller and that cadets were in for eight years. I have little doubt it will meet the estimate threshold.

Cheers

GC

 

[Glen_C]

-dupe/remove-

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome From The Heart Of Dixie, I agree with @Glen_C that it is as advertised the only problem I have with it, is the blade has been removed from the pommel at some time. IMHO this would NEVER have left the Ames plant much less been stamped RHKW who was inspector Robert Henry Kirkland Whiteley Capt. US Army. like this.

 

[Glen_C]

Or, simply smushed at some point to tighten the fit. Lacking is a picture shot down under the langets.

Ames, and a host of makers/furbishers over the centuries, seated the blades in the hilt atop of the leather or textile bumpers/washers. Often degraded or missing, this can account for a couple of millimeters of slop. More than a few antique swords will show the simple abuse of pounding on the tang in trying to solve the issue. If the sword has been apart or blade swapped, one would expect to see some example of a new bumper. Ames used fairly thick buff leather.

The sword below an Ames contemporary to the cadet sword.

Cheers

GC

 

[Richard E. Schenk]

As advertised. Keep in mind that the roster at the time was smaller and that cadets were in for eight years. I have little doubt it will meet the estimate threshold.
GC

It didn't reach the low estimate - it went for $1500 (plus a whopping 23% buyers premium). That probably wasn't a bad price. At the start of the live auction there was only one bid (mine), but when the lot came up it attracted considerable attention, and I was outbid. If I had been able to follow the bidding in real time I'm not sure if I would have gone higher or not. It's water under the bridge now.

 

[Patrick H]

I love threads like this. I have absolutely nothing useful to contribute, but I sure learn from this type of thread.