Scarce U.S. Model 1849 Rifleman's Knife And Scabbard By Ames. Probably the rarest of all the US Military issue edged weapons. Approximately 11 7/8-inch blade with 4-inch false edge, rudimentary median ridge and 'pen knife' like ricasso. Fine markings on ricasso include AMES MFG. CO. / CABOTVILLE / 1849 and US / [inspector's mark] WD obverse. Marked WD and J. W. R. on brass cross guard. Wood grips fine with three iron rivets. Contained in the original scabbard, Brass throat with frog stud exhibiting the letter D and having a couple of tiny dents [lower mount missing the tiny brass rivets]. Note: A very fine example of this very rare US military issue knife that is rarely offered for sale on the open market. According to research, this knife was adopted sometime in 1849 and made by Ames Manufacturing Company; making it the official Army Ordnance contract knife, approximately 1000 made. Condition: Blade fine to excellent as cleaned, with generally smooth bright patina, scattered pitting present underneath focusing towards the tip. Brass cross guard with nice untouched patinas. Grips overall very nice with nice light patina, one darker than other based on storage wear, with just some minor scattered dents and mars overall. Scabbard is really excellent with just a couple of smudges/handling in the finish but no flaking, lower mount missing rivets. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,001 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,001 per lot.