This is an excellent example of the U.S. Model 1832 Short Sword made by Ames and dated 1835, likely one of 2,400 contracted for on 11/8/1834 or 400 contracted for on 2/2/1835, all of which were delivered by late 1835, though there is a possibility it was made late in 1835 and went out as part of an August 1835 contract for 1,000 that was not completed until June 1836.

Adopted by the army in 1832, in the U.S. Army this gladius-pattern short sword was intended for sergeants, musicians, and artillerymen serving on foot until the introduction of the 1840 pattern swords. After those patterns were distributed, it was limited to the artillery, though they sometimes found themselves serving as infantry and once issued to states under the Militia Act, they might be carried by a variety of units. They are impressive swords and Ames found them a popular seller with uniformed fraternal groups as well. They showed up in Bloody Kansas in the 1850s in a less ornamental role and during the Civil War were pressed into service as naval cutlasses also.

This has a good pre-Mexican War date and is the standard configuration with brass hilt having a feathered grip and eagle cast into the front and back of the pommel. The hilt has a nice medium tone with some age stains and slightly lighter tone to the grip from handling but no significant handling marks and the eagles on the pommel were both well cast and chased, showing good detail and are not rubbed. The quillon disks show some smoothing out of the machining marks and still have a lot of gilt, as does the recessed portion of the crossguard. All of which is testimony to quality. The underside of the crossguard bears “ORD” inspection marks to one side of the blade and HKC and JM marks at opposite edges. UNITED / STATES / 1835 is crisply stamped on one side of the blade near the guard with just a tiny bit of rubbing on the right, and the Ames eagle over “N.P. AMES / SPRINGFIELD” is fully legible, though a bit rubbed from polishing over the years. The blade is largely bright with very good edges and point, some narrow striation from cleaning over the years, but they are extremely fine, not obtrusive and there have been no attempts at sharpening.

This comes with its original black leather scabbard in very good condition also. The color and finish are excellent and the seam is tight. The surface shows a few minor age cracks, but no flaking and the impressed border lines are still evident. The brass mounts have a nice, undisturbed patina, no dents, and are firmly in place.

This combines a nice early date with excellent condition.  [sr] [ph:m]

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