US Civil War, M1840 Light Artillery Sword, State of Connecticut , Ames 1862

Original era manufacture. A solid example of the US Army Light Artillery Sword, purchased by the state of Connecticut and made by Ames Sword Company of Chicopee Massachusetts in 1862. The 32 inch polished steel blade runs straight and true displaying a nice luster to the surface, with no corrosion issues. Clear 1862 date with the inspector name on the obverse ricasso, showing the letters CONN. above. The reverse shows the typical faint Ames logo. Very dark brass patina to the guard, with a rack, or issue number of  89 on one side, and in tiny markings B over 28. Considerable wear to the leather covered grip surface, presenting a mix of surface loss but no exposed wood. Only fragments of the twisted wire binding remains.Dark steel patina to the steel scabbard with both suspension loops and rings intact. Attached to the loops are brass connectors for a sword belt straps. During the Civil War Connecticut fielded two regiments of Heavy Artillery, and three batteries of Light Artillery. This one looks like it is right out of the attic, with a very clean blade.