1840 Foot Officer’s Sword / SOLD

Description

1840 Foot Officer’s Sword

Introduced in 1841, the 1840 officer’s sword was a hybrid of older French, British and Prussian patterns. It has a straight, cut and thrust blade, single-edged with rudimentary false edge and single wide fuller running from the ricasso to the point. The hilt is gilt brass with urn-shape pommel, a silvered imitation wire-wrapped grip, knuckleguard and double shell guard, fixed on the obverse and folding on the reverse. The pommel is typically Ames for the pattern with oak leaves on the top around the capstan rivet, but smooth and rounded (rather than facetted) on the bottom half. The knuckleguard has cast floral sprays at the upper end, where it meets the pommel, and at its midpoint, where they extend up and down from a central rosette and the top of the quillon finial is cast and chased with a floral motif as well. The brass retains much of its gilding, but there is rubbing to the inner face of the folding guard from being worn and the silver grip has darkened and shows a push on the obverse.

The blade is smooth metal, with good edge and point and retains its red fabric sealing pad at the blade shoulder under the scabbard stop. The metal is medium bright, with some scattered gray age spots. The frosting has softened, but the etching is completely visible from the base of the blade to the leaf or flame-like ends of the frosted panels. On the obverse the Ames address is etched at the base: “N.P. Ames / Cutler / Cabotville.” Floral and martial motifs are then mixed on the blade with a central American eagle with an “E Pluribus Unum” banner scroll overhead topped by sunburst rays. The reverse has a palmette or yucca plant spray at bottom, with floral scrolls and arms, along with a prominent block “U.S.” as the primary, central motif, with acorns and oak leaves above.

This was the regulation pattern for foot officers in the Mexican War and the sword has seen some light use,  but is in very good condition. It would be a key part of a U.S. martial arms display or collection devoted to the Mexican War or early American west.

Inventory Number: SWO 322