On March 8, 1852 the Secretary of the Navy issued a new set of uniform regulations that provided  guidelines for naval officer’s swords. The Navy ordered 500 officer’s swords from Ames in early April 1852. The order included scabbards, belts and buckles at a cost of $22.50 per sword and was to be delivered to the Navy Yards at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Norfolk. Ames delivered 420 swords by Dec. 10, 1852, the final 80 were delivered to the NY Naval Yard on Jan. 5, 1853. These inspected swords, by definition, conform to the regulations and the pattern. This was the first and last time the U.S. Navy would purchase swords for its officers.

This superb example is one the first 500. The blade dated 1852 and inspector’s cartouches on the reverse side – “P” over “R.B.H.”. Above the date is “Ames Mfg. Co./Chicopee/Mass.” followed by etchings against a frosted background of foliate, fouled anchor on a shield, script “US” inside oval of stars, display of pole arms. The reverse side with an American eagle atop a deck gun, a fouled anchor, a riband with “USN” finished with rope and foliage. Bright finish blade with only scattered spotting on edges. Ricasso washer intact. Sharkskin covered grip with twisted brass wire all super. The black leather scabbard with brass mounts with knot designs. Top mount throat with Ames stamp on reverse side. All brass retains nearly 100% of its original gilt.

As fine as they come.   [ss]

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