This Federal edged weapon is an Ames Model 1832 U.S. Foot Artilleryman’s short sword in good original condition.  Handsome and ruggedly made, this blade specimen is a product of the Ames Manufacturing Company of Massachusetts.  The artilleryman’s sword features a hefty, double-edged, steel blade that measures 19” long x 1¾” wide at the hilt.  This hefty short sword is rather unwieldy and its use as a weapon is debatable with some contemporary accounts indicating that this type weapon was used to clear brush and other obstacles from around gun positions.

The blade has a bright finish overall with patches of darker blemishes.   One minor edge nick.  Produced by N.P. Ames of Chickopee, Massachusetts, the sword is stamped on the obverse ricasso with “AMES MFG CO / CHICKOPEE”.  The reverse ricasso exhibits “US / ADK / 1855”.  The solid brass hilt has the typical ‘fish-scale’ handle and strong eagle marks embossed on both sides of the pommel. One side of the cross guard has inspector’s initials stamped in two places, one set in italic.

Matching leather scabbard is in good condition, complete with its brass throat and brass drag, both still attached to the scabbard with small brass nails. The throat has only one nail remaining.  Brass buttonhook on throat is tight.  The brass pieces on the scabbard have been cleaned to bright.  Leather body remains strong and exhibits no major scuffs and few surface cracks in the black finish. Stitching has separated along most of the length of the scabbard.

These short swords are difficult to locate in the collecting field today and this specimen with its original scabbard would make a wonderful addition to any early US military edged weapon display or collection.  [jet]

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