This sword has vivid etching that would be instantly recognizable as work by Ames even if it were not marked. The blade is oval in cross-section, double-edged with spearpoint tip and has a good edge and point. Both sides preserve strong frosting and etched motifs. The obverse bears a flowering vine scrolling up from the ricasso over which hovers a trophy of arms consisting of sword, quiver, and shield, with a liberty cap on a pole at center. An Ames-style U.S. eagle with shield on its breast, clutching arrows and olive branch raises its wings overhead, and an arc of stars and sunbeams surround a banderole drypoint etched “Liberty.” A branch of oak leaves and acorns, knotted with a ribbon at the bottom ends the frosted panel, which terminates in leaf-like points.

The reverse has similar martial and floral motifs that include a tall stand of arms consisting of two crossed pikes, each bearing partially furled flags showing stars in their cantons. Between the pikes rises a pole topped by a liberty cap, and the whole is topped by a glory of stars and sunbeams. The base of the blade is drypoint etched, “N.P. AMES / Cutler / Springfield” in script on a scroll.

Hamilton dates this blade address 1832 to 1847 and the sword fits the period very well, though it was likely carried, and cared for, for years thereafter. The brass hilt features an Ames “Roman helmet” style pommel with narrow ferrules at top and bottom of the grip, which is bone, round in cross-section, channeled and reeded with rounded half-columns. The crossguard is cast with five-ball straight quillons. The quillon block has shell-shaped and contoured langets that imitate in some ways early downturned counterguards, and is faced on either side with a raised semi-circle imitating the outline of the shell. The brass has a nice, aged patina. The lower ferrule of the grip shows some traces of a tarnished silver wash. This is more evident on the scabbard drag, with a trace on the upper mount. The scabbard is black leather, with good body, nice color and surface. The seam is tight, but shows one section that may have been closed by a well concealed glue repair. The grip has good color and no chips or cracks. See Medicus (Flayderman) 61f for a similar example, though with longer collar for the pommel and fullered blade. This is generally typed a militia officer’s sword, though uniformed militia companies might adopt very nice swords like this under their own regulations.

This is a very nice American sword by the preeminent U.S. nineteenth century sword maker, very well cared for, and in excellent condition. The blade etching is particularly attractive and the liberty caps and the motto “Liberty” in the banderole have great associations with the early Republic.  [sr]

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