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Rare Martially Inspected U.S. Ames Model 1849 Rifleman's Knife and Scabbard

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Rare Martially Inspected U.S. Ames Model 1849 Rifleman's Knife and Scabbard
This massive fighting knife has an 11 3/4 inch spear point blade and a nearly 4 inch long brass cross-guard. Fitted with slab-sided walnut grips secured by three steel rivets. The top of the grip has a brass lined hole for a wrist thong. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the "U.S." property mark over the ordnance inspector's initials "WD". The reverse ricasso is stamped "AMES MFG.CO./CABOTVILLE/1849". The obverse cross-guard is stamped with the inspectors and sub inspector's initials "W.D." and "J.W.R.". The knife is complete with a black leather scabbard with brass throat and an old (but still mid-20th century) replacement metal tip (marked "Juice / Sealdsweet / EXTRACTOR"). (The aforementioned "field repair" was most likely war performed by the consignor's father whom actually carried and used the knife; obviously not a collector!) The brass attachment stud on the throat is stamped with the inspector mark "D".
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Condition: Very good. The blade has a smooth dark patina overall with some minor pitting and some chipping along the edge. The brass has a mixed aged patina. The grips are also very good with some minor dings, pressure marks, and scratches, along with a large dent on the left side. The butt has a series of mild dings with a few hairline cracks. The scabbard is fair with missing stitching and flex wear. This is an extremely rare example of a U.S. M1849 Ames rifleman's knife.