AMES MODEL 1832 SHORT SWORD WITH SCABBARD AND BELT

$2,500.00
Originally $2,950.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 490-919

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

This Federal edged weapon is an Ames Model 1832 U.S. Foot Artilleryman’s short sword in wonderful 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 pleasing, light gray, satin-like finish overall.   A few scattered spots of rust pitting and darker discoloration spread over the blade.  Two or three minor edge nicks are discernable along the double edges.  Produced by N.P. Ames of Springfield, Massachusetts, the sword is marked on the obverse ricasso with “a spread-winged eagle / N.P. Ames / Springfield” while the reverse ricasso exhibits “UNITED / STATES / 1834”.  The eagle’s head and a portion of “UNITED” are worn away. The solid brass hilt has the typical ‘fish-scale’ handle and strong eagle marks embossed on both sides of the pommel. Front face of the hilt crossguard exhibits the initials of the arsenal inspector “J.A.J.B.”  within an oval and the agent’s name of “S. HUSE / NEWBURYPORT / MASS”.   Brass hilt has just the ever so slightest wobble. The handle bears a mellow, bronze patina.

Matching leather scabbard is in very fine, original condition, complete with its brass throat and brass drag, both still tightly attached to the scabbard with all eight of the small brass nails.    Brass buttonhook on throat is tight.  Leather body is strong and exhibits moderate crazing. Stitching is tight and strong.

The accompanying white buff leather belt is also in very fine condition. The leather is clean and supple. All stitching is tight.  The buckle on this belt is the 1832 pattern, Infantry NCO “S-hook” buckle with an eagle on one piece while the other piece has a stand of muskets and a drum separating the “US”. An S-hook joins the two pieces. Two brass rings attach the scabbard frog to the belt. The rings remain round in shape with no distortion or “pulling” evident. Very interestingly, a soldier modified this rig by mounting a US dragoon buckle onto the belt. Added at the left hip area, it acts to stop the sword handle from repeatedly hitting the hip.  The US “dragoon” buckle has the puppy-paw belt studs and attaches to the left, as opposed to the “infantry” buckle which attaches to the belt on the right. Thin leather “washer” backs the plate as is also typical of dragoon plates.

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

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