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 bright finish overall with a few minor areas of mottling.   No edge nicks.  Produced by N.P. Ames of Chicopee, Massachusetts, the sword is marked on the obverse ricasso with “Ames Mfg Co / Chicopee”.  The reverse exhibits  “U S / ADK / 1855”.  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 two sets of inspector’s initials.

Matching leather scabbard is in good condition, complete with its brass throat and brass drag, both still attached to the scabbard. Two of the small brass tacks are missing from the drag. Brass buttonhook on throat is tight.  Leather body remains strong and exhibits some surface cracks in the black finish. Stitching remains tight and unbroken.

The buff leather frog and belt remain snugly attached to scabbard.  There is one small (3/4”) tear on one side of frog at scabbard throat.  Belt is a little stiff.  Two-piece “US” tongue and wreath style buckle shows nice age patina. With the exception of one small spot above the frog all stitching on belt is tight and unbroken.

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

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