Item #68304 : Original era manufacture. A fine condition, late manufacture example of the classic French inspired saber of the US Army. Clear 1856 date on the ricasso along with the Ames name, placing this in the later era of the United States Dragoons, and the early days of what became the United States Cavalry. This is a very clean example of the "Wristbreaker" sword, with its blade measuring 35.5 inches in length, runs straight and true, no issues with a factory edge which is quite sharp. Inspector initials of A.D.K. on the ricasso and pommel. Complete leather wrapped grip with strong remnants of the original lacquer, tight twisted brass wire binding. Clean bright steel scabbard with some very, very light surface corrosion, retaining a very nice luster to the surface. Pleasing even brass patina on the guard and pommel. The collector reference, "The Ames Sword Company 1829-1935", lists a contract for 1000 examples of the Cavalry Saber-Enlisted on September 2nd 1856, with an additional contract of 1000 weapons for the New Pattern (1860) in December of that year. No date of delivery is noted for this contract, however a delivery of 500 is noted on August 4 1858.