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LOT 291
Extraordinary Civil War
Schuyler, Hartley & Graham High Grade Gilt Ames Model 1860 Cavalry Officer’s Dress Saber and Scabbard - This is a rare high grade and high condition
Ames saber retailed by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York and featuring a rare embellished hilt with detailed scroll and floral designs as well as classical martial
trophies and a spread wing bald eagle and wire and dark shagreen wrapped grip. Less than ten of these sabers are known, and this one is in truly remarkable
condition. Another example is shown in “Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers” by John Thillmann. The 35 inch blade is etched in the desirable high grade “spiderweb”
style and has the “Ames Mfg Co/Chicopee, Mass” maker mark etched above the right ricasso, “Schuyler Hartley & Graham” retailer mark etched on the spine, and
scrolls, an eagle, “E Pluribus Unum”, shield, “U.S.”, and other intricate designs with frosted backgrounds. The scabbard is bright nickel with gilt brass mounts and floral
decoration on the ring bands. The upper band has the “AMES MFG. CO./CHICOPEE/MASS” maker’s mark on the reverse. Includes a later letter from Schuyler, Hartley & Graham to the Sharps Rifle Co. in 1877, an envelope from Hartley & Graham to Mr. J.F. Seas of Orrville, Ohio, with postal mark dated August 1884, a Hartley & Graham invoice for a Mr. W.G. Koenig of Newark, NJ, dated October 10, 1885, and additional information on the company and sword. CONDITION: Excellent overall with nearly all of the original gilt, very minor age and storage related wear. The blade is excellent plus and retains beautiful etching, and the gilt hilt has crisp designs. There is some light patina on the scabbard body. Overall, an absolutely extraordinary Civil War officer’s saber.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 292
Exceptional Martially Inspected Civil War 1862 Dated Ames Mfg. Co. Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword and Scabbard - The French style guard has a 1/2
basket shape and is pierced and chased with floral motifs and “U.S.” The pommel has a floral pattern, and twisted wire is wrapped around the shagreen grip. A buff color
washer is next to the ricasso which is inspector stamped “J.H.” (John Hannis) on the right and “1862” on the left. The 32 1/4 inch blade begins the crisp etching with “Ames Mfg.
Co/Chicopee/Mass.” From there, a scroll design, a cannon and shield design, an American Eagle, and “U.S.” etching with a frosted background and a single fuller. The blued metal scabbard has brass mounts, rings, and drag. “AMES MFG CO./CHICOPEE/ASS” is marked on the upper band. The Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer’s Sword was one of the main officer swords of the American Civil War.
CONDITION: Very fine exterior with exceptionally crisp etching on the excellent blade, strong frosted backgrounds, bright balance with some minor staining, a mix of aged patina and original gilt finish on the brass hilt and scabbard fittings, and 90% plus of the original blue on the scabbard body which has some light oxidation and storage marks.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
246 Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000