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LOT 3278
Outstanding Historic Presentation Ames Model 1850 Staff & Field
Officer’s Sword with Scabbard Inscribed to Lt. Colonel James. W. Ripley,
Chief of Ordnance, from Colonel Henry K. Craig - This Ames Model 1850
Staff & Field Officer’s sword’s blade measures 33 inches from tip to hilt and
features a bright blade with fine acid etching showing floral filigree, “U.S.”, a
federal eagle, and martial motifs along with the Ames maker’s mark on the
right of the ricasso. The pierced guard is brass with “US”, and the handle is
leather with brass wire wrapping. The handle features an attached portepee.
The scabbard shows brass fittings and hangers and is inscribed “PRESENTED
TO/Lt. Col/James Wolfe Ripley/CHIEF OF ORDNANCE/From COLONEL/Henry K.
Craig” on the upper band and “U.S. ARMY/1861” on the lower band. The upper
band has the Ames maker’s mark on the reverse.
James Wolfe Ripley (1794-1870) was Chief Ordnance Officer for much of
the American Civil War. After graduating from West Point in 1814, he went
on to serve as an officer during the Seminole War and the invasion of
Florida before commanding the Kennebec Arsenal between 1833 and
1842, during which time he was promoted to Major. In 1842, he was
made superintendent of the Springfield Armory where he made many
improvements in efficiency and aided the development of Model 1855
Rifle-Musket, and he was made commander of the Watertown Arsenal
and made a Lt. Colonel. He then moved on to be the Chief of Ordnance
for the Pacific Coast Department. Finally, in 1861, at the onset of the
Civil War, he was made Chief of Ordnance for the Union, succeeding
Colonel Henry K. Craig (1791-1869) in the post. Craig was an officer with
the U. S. Army for nearly 50 years, beginning his service during the War
of 1812 and serving all the way up to the Civil War. Craig was relieved
of his post at the start of the war by Secretary of War Simon Cameron
in an effort to bring fresh blood to the
Ordnance Department. Though Craig fought
it, the change was approved by General
Winfield Scott, and President Lincoln chose
not to intervene on his behalf. The writer
believes that this was very likely the time
of presentation for this sword, with Craig
on his way out, he would have given the
sword as a congratulatory gift.
Ripley’s time as Chief of Ordnance is
often criticized for his resistance to the
adoption of more modern arms for
general use by the army. This, however,
was largely due to the logistical
nightmare that was supplying the
vast Union Army even without the
numerous different cartridges that
were required for the multitude of
different rifles and carbines in use at
the time.
CONDITION: Excellent, showing an excellent original bright polished
blade with limited handling evidence, crisp etching, a few minor marks
on the grip, and attractive aged patina on the brass gilted components.
The scabbard has nearly all of the original plum brown finish. This sword
has condition, desirable makers, and history all in one! Do not miss this
outstanding opportunity to own a presentation sword to and from two of
the United States’ most important Chiefs of Ordnance!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000 245