This Federal edged weapon is an Ames Model 1832 U.S. Foot Artilleryman’s short sword in 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 semi-bright, mottled finish overall.   Two very minor edge nicks are discernable along one edge.  Produced by N.P. Ames of Springfield, Massachusetts, the sword has worn marks on the obverse ricasso with “N.P. Ames / Springfield”. The spread-winged eagle being worn off.  The reverse ricasso exhibits very worn remnants of “UNITED / [STATES]” and a clear “1836 / J.M”.  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 inspector’s initials stamped in two places, and “ORD.” in another.

Matching leather scabbard is in good condition, complete with its brass throat and brass drag, both still well attached to the scabbard with small brass nails.    Brass buttonhook on throat is tight.  There are several dings on one side of the drag.  Leather body remains strong and exhibits no scuffs and some surface cracks in the black finish. Stitching remains tight and unbroken.  The buff leather frog portion of an NCO shoulder belt remains around the throat, having been cut from the belt.

These short swords are difficult to locate in the collecting field today and this 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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