High quality Ames Militia Staff Sword with knight's helm pommel and eagle and shield crossguard produced circa 1850. The 31 inch blade is decorated with etched patriotic designs and has a 12 inch fullered narrow groove. The gilt finished hilt has a knight's helm pommel, spread winged eagle over shield guard, a double chain knuckle guard, and vertically grooved bone handle. The gilded brass scabbard has cast floral designs, three suspension rings, and is marked "AMES MFG. CO/CHICOPEE/MASS".

Fine. The blade has a dulled finish and retains about 85% of the acid etched decorations and some slight spotting. The hilt components are slightly loose but retain nearly all of the gilt finish. The gold is bright with some minor loss and a few slight marks. The grip is very good with some dark grain and cream tones. The scabbard has some rub wear on one edge with an aged patina but otherwise retains most of the gilded finish with some light scratches and small dents. The blade is unsharpened. This is a fine example of a high quality pre-Civil War Ames Sword.