This handsome original specimen of an Ames Manufacturing Company product is a Model 1840 N.C.O. sword in good condition. Typical of those carried by Federal non-commissioned officers this blade comes with its original black leather scabbard.  The overall length of the sword is 38¾” long. Blade has been moderately cleaned and presents a light gray dull luster overall.   Brass hilt features grips with a simulated cast brass, wire wrap cover with a double shell-style guard that has a mellow bronze patina.  Knucklebow bears the inspector’s mark of “ADK” on the obverse side. The single-edged blade features a stopped single fuller and a ricasso stamped on the obverse with “US / ADK / 1863” in three lines.   Numeral ‘3’ is thin.  Reverse ricasso is stamped “Made by  / Ames Mfg. Co. / CHICOPEE. / MASS.” The clean blade is free of edge nicks. Has light oxidation spots overall.

The black bridle leather scabbard is in good original condition with a strong body and all brass furniture.  Center seam on the body is tight and shows no sign of splitting or re-working.  Leather surface displays crazing and cracking in spots but shows no weak areas or visible repairs.  Brass drag, which exhibits government inspector marks of “AHC” on the tip, is secured to the leather point via one brass rivet.  Upper brass collar has its brass frog.  Carried by Corporals and Sergeants during the Civil War as symbol of authority, this is a most collectable specimen of a Model 1840 Non-commissioned officer’s sword.