This pre-Civil War dated original specimen is a Model 1840 N.C.O. sword produced by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Handsome and in good overall condition, it was typical of swords carried by Federal non-commissioned officers and possibly CS NCOs as well. Overall length of the weapon is 38½” and the steel 32¼” long blade shows a pleasing darkened surface from age and storage.   Sword features a brass hilt with original double clam-shell guards.   Hand-scratched on the front face surface of the guards are a series of letters and numbers difficult to discern. Obverse guard shows “18  X  18”  while the reverse guard has “W” with possible  “ i  l  o  y or p”.   Unknown meaning.   Brass knuckle bow on the hilt shows US government inspector marks of  “W A T.” along with “J T” under the quillon. Interestingly, the front face of the knucklebow that runs between the guards shows a deep set, six-pointed star that is also the type found on the early 1859 and 1860 dated US cavalry sabers that were shipped South by US Sec of War John B. Floyd during the Buchanan administration. 

The tight and strong brass hilt has brass grips with a simulated castbrass wire wrap cover.  Brass grips are slightly loose on the tang.  This M1840 NCO with the 1860 date and the 6-pointed star may have been one that was shipped south before the war. But we have no definitive data to be sure.  All brass has acquired a beautiful, mellow patina.  Sword has no scabbard. The single-edged blade features a stopped fuller and a ricasso marked on the reverse with “Made By / Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee / Mass” in four lines, all on the early pattern scroll. Obverse stamped with a strong “U S  /  J H  / 1860” in small block letters. Blade edge exhibits one small nick near the point. Carried by Corporals and Sergeants during the Civil War as symbol of authority, this collectable specimen of an early U.S. marked, Model 1840 NCO sword is seldom seen today.