This Fine Relic Has Been Sold. Thank you!   Ames M 1860 - 1861 Civil War Naval Cutlass With Rare Throg                               5 Star Condition Presented is an Ames, Civil War, M1860 dated 1861 cutlass that is a near perfect example of this most desirable collector's sea service edged weapon with its original scabbard and throg. In this condition, it is a very rare find, particularly when most of these cutlasses are either missing their scabbard or are being sold with one that is a replica. The condition of the scabbard is excellent. It has the expected marks of age, but there are no breaks or deep cracks. The 43 copper rivets, one larger at the tip, running down the back are all original as is the front stud. The knuckle bow has a flange which accepts an elliptical brass cup which acts as a hand guard. The curved guard is riveted to the flange and forms a solid half basket guard. The guard, grip, leather covering, and wire wrap are near perfect as is the blade except at the point where there is some minor pitting.            Full basket guard in excellent condition                Tightly wrapped two strand wire                      Ames  Maker's Mark                          1861 date MARKINGS: All are heavily worn. On the obverse is the Ames Mfg Co. with Chicopee on three lines within a scroll. On the reverse there is the 1861 date on the ricasso, and on the back of the guard at the top is the number 520.   CONDITION: The entire hilt assembly, guard and grip are in excellent condition with only superficial marks of age over the past 150 years. The grip is wrapped in two strand copper wire. The original varnish is mostly present with streaks due to aging. A patina has turned the brass golden. The hilt and blade are tight. The leather washer is missing. The scabbard is complete and has the original throg which is a rarity. Both are impossible to find if missing. The blade is good condition except on the ricasso and at the point where there is some blackening and pitting on both sides.the tip. The rest of the blade is bright and shows light buffing with only a few a few dark spots, and only superficial pitting at both ends.               Original throg and correctly riveted scabbard with no shrinkage.  DIMENSIONS: Cutlass 32" long overall. 26" blade length               Max width of blade 1 3/16"   Max thickness 5/16" Fuller 3/4" W x 18" L      Weight 2 lbs 12 oz This is a complete example of an Ames, Civil War Cutlass and it would be hard to find a comparable duplicate!       The blade in excellent condition with only minor spotting and pitting From the Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations approved a number of uniform changes as announced in NAVADMIN 118/10 March 31. Included in the announcement is the approval of a Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Ceremonial Cutlass for optional wear by E-7 through E-9s. Chief petty officers are authorized to wear the cutlass in full dress uniforms when acting as a member of an official party during a ceremony. However to ensure uniformity, all members of the official party must wear either the cutlass or the sword. Because this is an optional uniform article, Sailors are responsible for the cost of the item. Additional details on the final design and manner of wear of the cutlass will be released in a future Navy message. BRIEF HISTORY Ames Mfg. Co.: The Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Massachusetts, was founded in 1832 by James Tyler Ames and his brother, Nathan Peabody Ames. The company manufactured small tools, cotton machinery, swords, cannons, and did casting of bells. They started production of military contract swords in 1832 with the M1832 foot artillery sword, and ended with the M1906 cavalry saber in 1906. Ames produced more swords for the American military than any other company before or since, totaling over 200,000 swords in service by the end of the Civil War. In that time, at least ten different manufacturing marks were used on the swords. A little knowledge of the company history helps place a date range for when each stamp was used. When the company started producing swords it was led by Nathan P. Ames, and most marks reflected that fact. In 1847, Nathan died and left the company to his brother James. The markings on the blades were immediately changed from N.P. Ames to Ames Mfg. Co. In 1848, the town of Cabotville was incorporated into Chicopee, Massachusetts, and the marks were once again changed to reflect this. Blades dated as late as 1850 may still bear the Cabotville stamp, as the old dies were probably used until they were worn out. In a much reduced state, they are still in business today. The Model 1860 cutlass which replaced the Model 1841 saw service during the Civil War, and through the Spanish American War. They likely were used during the early days of World War I. Based on company records, 22,000 of them were made for the Navy and 300 for the Army by  Ames in two Massachusetts plants. The design for this cutlass was copied from the French naval cutlass used from before 1800 when boarding of enemy vessels was common place. The French affectionately called it "Cuillere-a-pot" (the soup ladle) and the comparison is obvious. Mostly, from an essay by Mike McWatters  OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if the error is due to our fault International buyers welcome, but must inquire first. You are responsible for knowing your country's import laws concerning antique edged weapons. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean SHIPPING: Our shipping charges are calculated, point to point, using the most appropriate carrier for the type of item, are professionally done in house, are insured, and are the lowest possible. A big variable is the amount of insurance. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item. Copyright 2011 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved