The Model 1840 noncommissioned officers (N.C.O.) was adopted by ordnance officers in 1840. Based on a Sword used by the French Army. For over 70 years it was widely used by the Army from the Mexican War to the Spanish-American War. Today its usage includes ceremonial occasions by the 3^rd Infantry Regiment (the “Old Guard”) and honor guards and some Army Platoon Sergeants and first Sergeants.

This M1840 N.C.O. Sword was a product of the Ames Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of swords, tools and cutler in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Ames was also involved in an iron and bronze foundry. Ames was a major provider of swords, light artillery and heavy ordnance in the Civil War. Established in 1774 in Chelmsford, Mass. By 1829 the Ames brothers moved their business on the Chicopee River in Springfield. By the time the Civil War started the Ames Company was the biggest producer of military items for the Union.

This pre-Civil War dated specimen is a model 1840 N.C.O. produced by the Ames Manufacturing Company. Carried by the A.C.O.’s and possibly by the N.C.O.’s with the 1860 date. Documentation exists that shows that the state of Virginia purchased large quantities of M1860 Cavalry Sabers dates 1860 from the Ames as well as Georgia. It is believed among advanced sword collaborator that swords marked with a small star was purchased by the state of Virginia, unmarked swords by Georgia.

This sword features a cast brass hilt with a simulated wire wrapped handle with a double shell-style guard. Knuckle-bow bears an unmarked knuckle-bow, the reverse bears the inspectors marks “W.A.T.” for William Anderson Thornton armory inspector from 1840-1866. The single edged blade features a stopped single fuller and a ricasso stamped on the obverse of the blade “US/J.H./1860” the inspector marks “J.H.” Joseph Harris. armory inspector from 1838-1862. In front of the brass double shell-style guard is a single star, beneath the blade, believed to be for the state of Virginia. The untouched blade has a dark olive patina no rust/pitting with a few minor nicks + the edge. Brass hilt, nice untouched yellow patina. Sans scabbard  [ws] [ph:jet]

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