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 bright finish overall.   No edge nicks 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 over “N.P. Ames / Springfield” while the reverse ricasso exhibits “U.S / 1844 / JH”.  The lower portion of the eagle is 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 “W.A.?.” where the last initial is worn. The handle bears a uniform brass color. Leather washer is missing.

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 in exceptional condition. Stitching is tight and strong.

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

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