This Federal edged weapon is a rugged of an original Model 1832 Foot Artilleryman's short sword. A product of the N. P. Ames Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, this pre-Civil War sword is dated 1833 and is in good original condition. Worn mostly by artillery battery NCOs as a badge of rank, the artilleryman's sword features a hefty, double-edged steel blade that measures 19" long x 1¾" wide at the hilt. This type of short sword is unwieldy and its use as a weapon is debatable with some contemporary accounts indicating the blade was used to clear brush and other obstacles from around gun positions.

Blade appears to have been cleaned some time ago and exhibits a mottled, satin-gray finish overall. Moderate areas of rust pitting and dark discoloration spread over the blade. Blade edges are rough and exhibit numerous nicks. Produced by Ames of Springfield, Massachusetts, the sword is clearly marked on the obverse ricasso with a "spreadwinged eagle / N.P. AMES / SPRINGFIELD" while the reverse ricasso displays "UNITED / STATES / 1833". The solid brass hilt has the typical 'fish scale' handle with strong eagle marks embossed on both sides of the pommel brim. Face of the brass crossguard exhibits the arsenal inspector initials within an oval stamp on the surface. Also seen on the face is a strong stamping "S. HUSE" indicating the Ordnance Department marks. The stamping "NEWBURYPORT" is below. Blade tight at the handle. This nice, reasonably priced M1832 artillery sword would make a nice addition to any military collection or edged weapons display.