Standard pattern (Peterson #10) with 27 ¾” blade with Ames maker’s mark, weak as typical and US /TH /1861 opposite. The hilt excellent for the period. The blade shortened when used with uniform patina throughout. These alterations are occasionally encountered and reflect the fact that very young men/boys served in the Confederate Army. The 1861 date reflects the period when the South was acutely short of weapons and this may have been the only weapon carried by the soldier, making a match to his stature, critical. From the collection of Frank Barnyak who was a professional gun show promoter which gave him unparalleled access to the market. He was known for his ability to ferret out rarities such as this.
