Ames Theatrical Short Sword Made from US M1870 Rolling Block Bayonet
20" spear point blade, 13.5" median fuller, 5.75" cast brass hilt with fishscale grip. Reverse ricasso marked U.S.N. / CGS / 1870. During the latter part of the 19th century the Ames Sword Company produced a huge line of Fraternal and Theatrical swords, often using surplus bayonet blades in conjunction with newly cast hilts, offering them for sale to the general public. This combination is an Ames No 331 "Roman Hilt" mated to a surplus US M1870 rolling block saber bayonet blade, using the original brass mounted leather scabbard as well. For years these have been misidentified as US M1870 Naval Cutlasses, but no such weapon ever existed in the navy's arsenal. An interesting conversation piece.
Condition:
Very good. Blade polished to bright with weak markings at ricasso. Hilt with dull mustard patina. Scabbard very good with some minor flaking and crazing.
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