This Federal edged weapon is an Ames Model 1832 U.S. Foot Artilleryman’s short sword in very good 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 gray, mottled finish overall and may have been wire brushed at one time.   One or two very minor edge nicks are discernable along one edge.  Produced by N.P. Ames of Springfield, Massachusetts, the sword is marked on the obverse ricasso with “[spread-winged eagle] / N.P. Ames / Springfield” while the reverse ricasso exhibits “UNITED / STATES / 1833”.  Portions of the eagle motif are worn. The solid brass hilt has the typical ‘fish-scale’ handle and strong eagle marks embossed on both sides of the pommel. The face of the hilt cross guard exhibits an inspector’s oval stamp on one side and the agent’s name of “S. HUSE / NEWBURYPORT” on the other.

Matching leather scabbard is in very fine, 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 remains strong and exhibits only a few scuffs and surface cracks in the black finish. Stitching remains tight and unbroken.

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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