This is a U.S. Model 1850 Foot Officer's sabre by Ames, inscribed Presented to Lt. R. Kramer by Members of S.L.I. Oct. 14, 1872. The etched blade retains excellent frost, the hilt is fine, and the scabbard rates very good plus with no weakness. The inscription names the recipient, the presenting group by its initials and the exact date, which gives a researcher a name, a unit and a day to work from.

For a Connecticut collector of American military edged weapons this is a display and research piece. The Ames maker's name, the 1850 pattern and a dated 1872 presentation to a lieutenant of the S.L.I. give three threads to follow, and the physical condition supports it: frost still crisp on the etching, a sound hilt and a scabbard with no soft spots. It is not a firearm, so it travels as an accessory item rather than through a dealer.

Key features

• U.S. Model 1850 Foot Officer's sabre
• Made by Ames
• Inscribed to Lt. R. Kramer, dated Oct. 14, 1872
• Etched blade with excellent frost
• Scabbard very good plus, no weakness

The sabre ships to your door in Connecticut with no dealer transfer involved.