MILITARIA Civil War Ames Model 1860 Naval Cutlass

Early-war example dated 1862, manufactured by Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Massachusetts. The blade bears the distinctive later U.S. Navy re-inspection marks consisting of an anchor, "P," and "J.R.G.", the initials of Captain John R. Goldsborough, who served as Ordnance Officer at the Portsmouth Navy Yard from November 1863 through the end of the Civil War. The presence of the J.R.G. marking on an 1862-dated blade indicates a subsequent Navy-yard re-inspection or inventory marking rather than inspection at the time of original manufacture. Such marks were applied to arms in Navy stores or returned from service before reissue.The brass guard bears the stamped designation "14M 552," apparently an internal Navy inventory or identification number. The "14M" prefix may denote an inventory or batch designation, while "552" may represent an individual weapon, rack, or issue number; the exact significance of the marking has not been conclusively established. The black leather-covered grip is without the typical twisted brass-wire wrap. The cutlass is accompanied by its matching black leather scabbard, secured with copper rivets. From a Westchester, NY estate. Dimensions: sword measures approx. 32" in length. Condition: Wear commensurate with service and age. Condition:, Early-war example dated 1862, manufactured by Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Massachusetts. The blade bears the distinctive later U.S. Navy re-inspection marks consisting of an anchor, "P," and "J.R.G.", the initials of Captain John R. Goldsborough, who served as Ordnance Officer at the Portsmouth Navy Yard from November 1863 through the end of the Civil War. The presence of the J.R.G. marking on an 1862-dated blade indicates a subsequent Navy-yard re-inspection or inventory marking rather than inspection at the time of original manufacture. Such marks were applied to arms in Navy stores or returned from service before reissue.The brass guard bears the stamped designation "14M 552," apparently an internal Navy inventory or identification number. The "14M" prefix may denote an inventory or batch designation, while "552" may represent an individual weapon, rack, or issue number; the exact significance of the marking has not been conclusively established. The black leather-covered grip is without the typical twisted brass-wire wrap. The cutlass is accompanied by its matching black leather scabbard, secured with copper rivets. From a Westchester, NY estate. Dimensions: sword measures approx. 32" in length. Condition: Wear commensurate with service and age. Est: $300.00 - $500.00

Estimate:$300

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