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Post by blnettle on Aug 14, 2022 23:40:21 GMT
Hi, I am new to this forum. I just purchased an unusual knife from an estate sale. The sheath looks to be silver plated with some wearing off. The blade has Ames Mfg Co Chicopee Mass engraved on it with some etching and engraving. The wood on the handle looks new though. I am attempting to attach some pictures. I was wondering if anyone would have any information on it. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Post by blnettle on Aug 14, 2022 23:46:45 GMT
Blade is 8 inches long. Knife is 13.75 inches overall length.
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circumstances
Member
All the same we take our chances.. laughed at by time..tricked by circumstances
Posts: 94
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Post by circumstances on Aug 15, 2022 14:49:40 GMT
Ames manufactured a lot of blades. They were a huge supplier of sabers to the US Army. Beyond that your knife could have some age on it I don't know much about the other knives and such that they made specific to model.
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Post by blnettle on Aug 16, 2022 0:03:51 GMT
Thanks for the help Circumstances. I will try to find someone who may be able to determine if it is original and an appropriate date of manufacture. It looks too decorative to be a military piece in my opinion, especially with the silver plate. But I did look at those swords they made for military and some were pretty fancy.
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pgandy
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Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Aug 16, 2022 12:59:35 GMT
“The sheath looks to be silver plated with some wearing off.” I suspect that is nickel plating as that was a common plating. That, and in addition to the fact that silver tarnishes and that is bright.
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Post by blnettle on Aug 16, 2022 23:04:12 GMT
I forgot to add that I did use some silver polish on it. I will attach a before picture. It had a good bit of dark tarnish on it when I bought it. Attachments:
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Post by blnettle on Aug 16, 2022 23:05:48 GMT
I was shocked at the difference
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pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
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Post by pgandy on Aug 17, 2022 0:42:00 GMT
Well now, I’ve reconsidered. Keep in mind that those polishes work by removing the upper layer of metal. The more you polish the less silver remains.
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Post by Mark Millman on Aug 17, 2022 17:58:14 GMT
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Post by blnettle on Aug 18, 2022 1:10:52 GMT
Wow! Thanks for that information. This is getting interesting. I didn’t realize the knife was that old. It was lumped into a bunch of brass cups and candlestick holders. I suppose the $25 was well spent! I am going to order that book and see if I can find more information. I really appreciate everything that you have posted. I will let you know if I find anything out. The family may have been relatives of Edward Porter Alexander since I did also buy a copy of his book from them inscribed as being given to them in 1908.
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