This specimen is a rarely encountered Model 1840 Civil War cavalry officer’s saber complete with steel scabbard and manufactured by Nathan P. Ames.

This M-1840 cavalry saber is an excellent original piece that features a profusely embellished brass hilt and a handsome, slightly curved, high quality etched blade. Blade measures 35 ½” long, 1 ¼” wide at the hilt with a 26 ½” long fuller and 18” long narrow fuller. The maker’s mark is found etched on the obverse ricasso and reads, “N.P. AMES / CUTLER / SPRINGFIELD”.  Continuing up this side of the blade, the etchings include a panoply of arms, a spread-winged eagle with ribbon and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, all intermixed with foliate sprays. Reverse blade flat is etched with flags, “U.S.”, an officer on horseback, Tecumseh (mostly worn away), likewise intermixed with foliate sprays. The thick, flat spine of the blade is etched with a repeating foliate and flower pattern. The blade surface is clean and bright with scattered areas of shallow pitting. Blade edge has a few small nicks.

The embellished, cast brass hilt is typical of sword hilts on most all of Ames-made cavalry officers’ sabers. With a symmetrical two-branch guard integrated into the knucklebow, the hilt displays the acanthus fan on the inside quillon, a cast floral display on both upper branches, inside and outside, and shows ornate foliate design at the knucklebow / pommel junction. The hilt is slightly loose. The original leather washer remains. Grips employ the typical M1840 grooved wooden handle that is wrapped in thin black leather. Moderate wear to the raised areas with scattered “chips” of leather missing. The complete double-twist of brass wire is in place but slightly loose. Phygerian-style brass pommel cap has a high dome tang with a peened blade tang. Casting detail is profuse and sharp.

Steel scabbard is in excellent condition and exhibits a pleasing uniform gray patina overall. No dents to scabbard and no wear on the drag. Scabbard is finished with iron furniture, including the throat, upper and lower ring band, mounts and the drag. Mounts are tight and strong, as are the iron rings. The drag is marked “G.T” and “S & K”.

An early Ames manufactured M1840 cavalry officer’s saber with matching scabbard is a true rarity and worthy of any Civil War blade display or collection.  [jet]

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