This dragoon saber is a Model 1833 specimen manufactured by the N. P. Ames cutlery firm of Springfield, Mass. The U.S. regiment of dragoons organized on March 2, 1833 and a new pattern saber was authorized for their use. Similar to the British light cavalry saber of 1822, this Ames produced single-edged blade is slightly curved with a heavy rounded quill back that runs its entire length. Blade exhibits moderate scattered areas of light pitting and dark oxidation spots.

Blade, which appears not to have been cleaned, featured a hand-engraved inscription of “United States” on the left flat above the hilt but most of it has worn away. Maker’s address was also hand-etched in script near the hilt on the obverse but only a portion remains. Base of the ricasso has a worn but complete leather washer. Blade edge is good with only some minor nicks over the lower third.

Grips are wood covered with black leather and wound with fine, tight, double-twist wire. The grips show use and wear but have not worn through. A brass, double-banded ferrule with raised bands rests at the hilt. Atop the grips is a brass backstrap that extends to the three-tiered brass pommel cap. Brass guard has two branches on the obverse side of the knucklebow and one small branch on the reverse side. Knucklebow has a narrow slot for a saber strap. Brass quillon with its disc style is inspector-stamped with “WS” along with a larger stamp of “N.C.”

The iron metal scabbard has a flared throat collar and a large, fancy drag or slipper. Drag is unmarked. Scabbard body shows some dents and moderate rust pitting throughout and has never been cleaned. Rings and mounts are iron and tight to the scabbard body. Attached to the top ring is an old typed paper label that reads “MODEL 1833 DRAGOON SABER STMPED ‘N.C.’ FOUND IN AN OLD BARN NEAR MT. OLIVE, N.C. SOME OF THESE SABERS WERE PURCHASED BY THE STATE IN THE 1840’S AND LATER USED BY THE CONFEDERATES.”

A great specimen of American blade manufacture with a possible Confederate connection. [ad]

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