I've read John Thillmann's book "Civil War Cavalry and Artillery Sabers" and am a little confused regarding inspector stamps.

I have in my collection, an NCO sword, and an M1860 Ames Cavalry saber that was inspected by ADK. According to the book, this is correct, as Mr. AD. King inspected blades for the Ames company. However, there is pictured in the book a saber made by Roby that also has the ADK inspector stamp. This is confusing. Were these swords inspected at the company of manufacture, or were they shipped to an armory, and from there inspected?

Thanks!