Very rare Ames riflemans knife. This knife is dated 1849 and still has about half of the original factory polish. Has clear crisp markings and original sheath (leather shows age crackle). Hanger is in very good condition. Historical and Important – Ames Mfg Co U. Mounted Rifleman’s Knife. Type: Mounted Riflemans Knife. In 1849 for issue to U. Regiment of Mounted Rifleman. Expert speculate that there may be as few as 100 examples that may have survived. The massive knife is 18 3/8 inches long with an 12 inch spear point blade, cast brass cross guard and slab-sided walnut grips. The walnut grips have a distinctive brass lined thong hole in the pommel and are secured to the tang by three rosette-headed steel rivets. The knife is complete with the original black leather scabbard with brass throat and tip. The throat has an oval frog stud. The obverse ricasso of the blade is stamped with a “WD” property mark and the reverse is roll-stamped AMES MFG. /CABOTVILLE/1849 in three lines. The Model 1849 Rifleman’s Knife was procured as a special weapon for the U. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen who were armed with Colt Dragoon revolvers and U. Model 1841 rifles but did not carry sabers. Mounted Rifles were ordered to Oregon Territory in 1849 and were subsequently assigned to garrisons in California. Large numbers of Mounted Riflemen deserted during the gold rush and many of the Rifleman’s Knives probably left U. Service with the deserters. The Ames Model 1849 U. Mounted Rifleman’s Knife is the rarest and most desirable of all U. Military knifes and is typically found only in advanced U. One of best examples of these very rare knives and would be the centerpiece in any collection of U. Military knives or edged weapons. Such an important piece of history!