This is a classic original Civil War naval officer's sword. Officially known as the
U.S. model 1852 naval officer's sword, this is the style that was worn by naval officers during the Civil War. The blade is full length and is etched on each side with patriotic and other designs. The etching on the back of the blade has anchor towards the middle of the blade and on down towards the tip it has the "USN" on the banner with the naval anchor on down a little bit. On the front side of the blade it has the shield and anchor design with the panoply of arms on down the blade. At the base of the blade it has the desirable maker's mark of the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Ames was the foremost maker of edged weapons for the North during the American Civil War. The guard and pommel cap have always stood apart from the normal Civil War officer's sword. It has the bold "USN" in the basket of the guard and the quillion is made like a serpent's head. At the very top of the pommel cap it has the droop wing style naval eagle. If you notice that all of the brass parts still retain a superb amount of the original gold wash in the protected areas. This one has the original sharkskin grip present on the handle with a fantastic untouched look all over. It also has excellent double strand wire remaining. The sword is accompanied by the original scabbard that is made brass and leather. The mounts are the correct naval style with the twisted rope designs leading to the rings. The drag is present and it has the sea serpent design as well. On the back side of the top mount it has the matching Ames Manufacturing Company mark that lets us know that it is still in the correct scabbard. On the top mount as well as on the back side of the hand guard, it has the jeweler quality engraved "S.G.T." initials of the officer that carried the sword. What a nice touch on an already cool sword! This is an attractive looking original Civil War naval officer's sword and scabbard from the famous Ames Company. THIS ITEM IS FEATURED ON OUR SHILOHRELICS YOUTUBE CHANNEL. HERE IS A LINK SO YOU CAN SEE WHY WE THOUGHT IT WAS NEAT ENOUGH FOR A VIDEO: AMES NAVAL