The Model 1840 noncommissioned officers (N.C.O.) was adopted by ordnance officers in 1840. Based on a Sword used by the French Army. For over 70 years it was widely used by the Army from the Mexican War to the Spanish-American War. Today its usage is ceremonial by the 3^rd Infantry Regiment (the “Old Guard”) and honor guards and some Army Platoon Sergeants and first Sergeants.

This M1840 N.C.O. Sword was a product of the Ames Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of swords, tools and cutlery in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Ames was also involved in an iron and bronze foundry. Ames was a major provider of swords, light artillery and heavy ordnance in the Civil War. Established in 1774 in Chelmsford, Mass. by the Ames family by brothers Xlather Ames and James. By 1829 the brothers moved their business on the Chicopee River in Springfield. By the time the Civil War started the Ames Company was the biggest producer of military items for the Union.

This original specimen features a cast brass hilt with a simulated wire wrapped handle with a double shell-style guard. Knuckle-bow bears the inspectors mark “A.D.K.” for Andrew D. King, armory inspector from 1840-1865. Reverse bears the inspectors mark of “W.A.T.” for William Anderson Thornton, armory inspector from 1840-1866. The single-edged blade features a stopped single fuller and a ricasso stamped on the obverse side of the blade, “US/A.P.K./1858”; the inspectors marks of “A.P.K.” are upside down. Reverse “Ames Manufacturing Comp./Chicopee/Mass.” The single edged blade has nicks entire nearly the length of the blade. Semi-gray dark patina. Hilt has a dark yellow patina. Sans scabbard. Handle is slightly loose, easily repairable.  [ws]

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