Important Ames General Officer style GOLD Blade - Preview
GOLD WASHED BLADE with a white frosty Inscription: Col. A C. Woodworth Chicopee, Mass.
Manufactured: Chicopee, Mass
Maker: N.P.Ames / Ames Sword Co.
Year: Sword c1850 blade c1880
Model: Model of the 1840s
Size: 31 inch blade, 1.09 wide, and .29 thick
Condition: Excellent+
This sword is constructed from parts used for the solid gold, 1847 Congressional Presentation swords of the Mexican War. The grip is Mother of pearl with solid gold, engraved straps to divide the panels. There are solid gold droplets on the mother of pearl The langet has an American Eagle with a Federal Shield and a ribbon that reads: National State Sovereignty. This motto was also on a belt plate presented to General U.S. Grant and that is the only other artifact I have seen with this motto. The blade is a very high grade with Gold wash. Very few Ames blades display gold. This straight blade with a center fuller was obviously an 1850 era blade that was buffed and re-etched by Ames for presentation to their president. The blade is etched with: Ames / Sword / Co. /Chicopee / Mass., there is a full standing Roman soldier with raised sword and 17 inches of high grade decorative scroll and foliate. The reverse has a Roman soldier with raised shield and sword. There is a white frosted panel etched: Col. A C. Woodworth Chicopee, Mass., followed by a Roman Helmet and scroll work. The entire background is gold. The scabbard is highly decorated with applied decoration. The top mount has fixed carry attachments, a leaf background displaying a bust of Geo. Washington. The center plaque is a raised relief stand of arms with cannon, muskets and banners, The middle carry mount is the leaf background with Arms and a Federal Shield, below is a magnificent stand of arms with the liberty cap and draped flags. The drag design has three draped flags. An amazing piece of early Ames craftsmanship later adapted for their president. Albert C. Woodworth was the son-in law of James Ames. He was first connected with Ames Mfg. Co. in 1875 as a director. He rose to president in 1880 and Superintendent in 1889.
Figure 01.01.73.1: Overview of this beautiful sword
Figure 01.01.73.2: Very rare gold washed blade by Ames
Figure 01.01.73.3: Additional blade views with presentation / ID in the center
Figure 01.01.73.4: Ames Sword Co. address
Figure 01.01.73.5: Hilt detail showing pommel , MOP and solid gold grip panels
Figure 01.01.73.6: Reverse detail
Figure 01.01.73.7: Reverse detail
Figure 01.01.73.8: Plaque between top and middle mount
Figure 01.01.73.9: Middle mount
Figure 01.01.73.10: Drag / lower panel / top mount with Washington
