Ames U.S. Model 1832 Foot Artillery Short Sword with Scabbard & Belt Ames Manufacturing Co., Chicopee, Massachusetts – 1855

Description

Ames U.S. Model 1832 Foot Artillery Short Sword with Scabbard & Belt Ames Manufacturing Co., Chicopee, Massachusetts – 1855

 

A fine regulation U.S. Model 1832 Foot Artillery sword complete with its original leather scabbard, buff leather frog, and martingale belt with eagle buckle. Manufactured by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts in 1855, this is the classic American adaptation of the Roman gladius, carried by enlisted artillerymen for brush clearing, camp use, and close defense.

 

The sword features a heavy cast-brass hilt with molded scale grip, oval pommel displaying the Federal spread-wing eagle on each side, and the distinctive wide counter-guard. The side of the guard is clearly stamped with inspector marks “A.D.K.” (A.D.King) and “RHKW” for inspector Robert H. K. Whiteley. The double-edged, fullered blade is crisply marked “AMES MFG. CO. / CHICOPEE” on one side, and “U.S. / ADK / 1855” on the reverse.

 

The original black leather scabbard retains its brass throat (with frog button) and brass tip, the latter missing the small round finial as commonly found. The scabbard is fitted to a regulation buff leather frog, attached to its original buff belt fitted with a stamped brass eagle buckle-an especially desirable complete ensemble. A soldier’s name, “]. K. Smith,” is later incised into the crossguard. Blade length: 191/8 in. Overall length: 251/4 in.

 

Brass hilt toned to an attractive yellow patina; blade bright with scattered gray areas; scabbard sound with expected wear; tip absent its round finial; leather frog and belt show honest service wear but remain complete and well-matched.

 

A strong, well-marked mid-1850s Ames artillery sword with its original accoutrements-an increasingly scarce complete set.

 

Inventory Number: SWO 381