A pair of Civil War-era swords, both lacking scabbards:

1. French m1845 infantry officer's sword. France: Illegible maker's mark partially visible to spine, [post-1851.] Spear tip. Blade cut down to 29 in. Overall 34 1/2 in.

There is significant pitting and wear to the blade. The guard bears a foliate motif with small traces of verdigris. A damaged portion of the guard has been replaced with solder. Original leather washer is absent. The grip is shagreen and retains its original wire wrap. 

Though near-identical to the United States m1850 infantry officer's sword, the unstopped fuller, foliate design, and placement of the maker's mark are all characteristics of French m1845 swords produced after 1851. 

2. M1860 light cavalry saber. Chicopee, [Massachusetts]: Ames Mfg. Co. Ricasso stamped with Ames scroll and "Made by / Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee". Ricasso reverse stamped "US / J.F. / 1864". Pommel cap marked "C.W.[C?]". Blade 35 in. Overall 40 1/2 in. long.

The blade is overall clean with clear stamping. The brass grip exhibits a darker patina. Leather washer, original grip leather and wire wrap are all present; the wire is split and the wire wrap is deformed. 

Widely used during the Civil War, the m1860 saber was considered a lighter, more maneuverable weapon than its predecessor, the m1840 “Wristbreaker.” 

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades]