This is an original model 1840 cavalry saber but the neat thing about this one is that it is an American manufactured one rather than being an imported one. We know this because of the marks on the base of the blade. It has the "US" stamp as well as the "A.D.K." inspector initials. These initials stand for Andrew D. King, who inspected swords for the US government from 1840 until 1865. These marks are consistent with being manufactured by the firm of Ames Manufacturing Company in Cabotville, Massachusetts. You can still vividly see the maker's mark on the reverse as well as the Cabotville, Massachusetts production location.
Also stamped in to the blade is the 1851 date of production. According to Tillmann's Sword book there were only 2,250 of these 1851 dated Ames cavalry sabers delivered that year.
The blade has all of the original 36 inches of length with a nice look all over and some very shallow service nicks along the edge. It has a dark gray tone with a fine look .
The guard and pommel cap have a wonderful dark attic tone and you can still see the inspector initials "JWR" and "ADK" on the top of the pommel cap. The handle of the sword has the original leather wrapping and the double twist brass wire wrapping.
It displays quite well as you can see. The sword is accompanied by the original scabbard that has a nice ancient look. The scabbard is complete with mounts, rings and drag and throat.
This is a great looking authentic model 1840 cavalry saber & scabbard by the famous Ames Company with the desirable 1851 production date.