This is a saber sword that is metal with a bit of maybe leather on the hilt. It also has a metal scabbard. It is about 41 inches from tip to bottom and the width of the handle is about 4.5 inches across at its widest point. It has some engravings in the blade. One side says "US JH 1859" and the other side says " AMES MFGCo CHICOPEE MASS."
Dimensions
Acquired From:
Inherited
Dear Andrea, Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry and my sincere apologies for the delay with the appraisal. The presented object appears to be a US Model 1860 light cavalry produced by Ames with a scabbard. The ricasso of the blade is stamped by the producer "Ames" in Chicopee (Massachusetts) and on the other side with the US acceptance stamp, the inspector's initials, and the date "U.S.", "JH", and "1859". This pattern is known as Model 1860 but it was adopted in 1856, the contracts were let with Ames in early 1857 and finally, the contract with Ames was signed in March 1859. This explains the dating on the blade. This piece is in medium condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided. A fair market estimation would be between 300 to 600 USD. This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary. With kind regards, Georg