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AMES M1832 SHORT SWORD & SCABBARD CIVIL WAR NAVAL MEDALLION
Dated 1833 With rare Scabbard Civil War Naval Button
Presented is an interesting Ames short sword with a Civil War
Naval provenance as shown by the button which is on the tip of the scabbard. This button is of the type that was used
by the Union Navy during the Civil War and is pictured on page 189 of Bazelon's "Horstmanns: The Enterprise of Military
Equipage." The patina on the scabbards metal work shows that it is due to normal aging and was not chemically applied.
That said,we have no direct knowledge where and how this sword was used, but it has an exceptionally sharp blade with no evidence
of sharpening. This sword was made in 1833 in Springfield, MA before the factory moved to the nearby town of Cabotville which
later became part of the new town of Chicopee.
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Civil War Naval Button with authentic age patination |
SEA SERVICE: It is known that because it was shorter and lighter
than the heavier swords of the time, it was readily adopted at sea because it was more easily carried and used on
the crowed ship's decks or in the rigging.
IMPRINTS: The blade has better than average imprints, and what may
be its original scabbard. The visible markings on the obverse are the Ames eagle, over N.P. Ames, over Springfield on
three lines. On the reverse, United over States over 1833 on three lines.
SPECIAL IMPRINT: This sword was made in 1833 in Springfield,
MA before the factory moved to the nearby town of Cabotville which later became part of the new town of Chicopee.
Because the Ames foundry was not fully functional, the brass work was contracted to Sam Huse of Newburyport. In
very small letters on the Crossguard is the S. HUSE Newburyport imprint.
Sam Huse made the brass work on the Ames swords for the years 1832,
33, & 34 since Ames still did not have his brass foundry operational. Hence the Huse markings on the crossguard. In
later years Ames`s son married Huse`s daughter.
This makes this an even rarer example of this style Ames'
sword with a highly unusual history, and perfect for a most demanding collector.
This sword was first made as the Model 1832 and issued to regular artillery
regiments and infantry. The Ames short sword appeared in their catalog as Number 350. This example is complete
and in excellent condition without regard to its 177 year age and years of service.
Many of these sword are found without
their scabbards or with replacement scabbards. This example is nearly original and in good, but used condition.
It has a special Civil War era Navy button on the tip of the scabbard
The blade is 1 1/8" wide at the hilt
and 18 5/8" long. There is a long wide "fuller", starting 3" above the point that is 10 1/2"
long above which are two parallel fullers 3 1/4" long. The three fullers are 3/8" wide. The hilt is 5 3/8"
long, 1 1/2 wide and 7/8" thick. The entire hilt is cast brass. The grip is molded with a decoration that looks like fish
scales. The quillions is a straight cross. There is an American eagle with shield imprint on both sides of the pommel.
The scabbard is a wood sheave covered with what looks like replacement black
leather because of its pebbly surface. There is a brass throat band and tip which look original. A naval button has been added
to the tip with a distinctive eagle and anchor. There is no frog stud.
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Imprint, Eagle/ N.P.Ames/ Springfield | |
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CONDITION: Considering its age and use, this is a good example
of a sword which was used in the field. The blade has some pitting and grey spots with minimal corrosion.
All three rivets are in place. The scabbard's original leather has been replaced. The blade is solid in its
handle.
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Counter
guard NO leather washer | |
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Three rivet hilt obverse and reverse | |
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Dimensions:
Hilt 5 3/8" L x 7/8" W x 1 1/2" H
Blade 18 5/8" L x 1 1/8" W x 1/4" T at widest LOA 24"
Weight sword 2 lbs 4 ounces
Total 2 lbs 14 oz
International buyers welcome, but should know their counties'
import laws and must inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia,
England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia,
Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
SHIPPING & PACKING: The
cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, is an additional charge. You may
email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost
of packaging materials and handling.
OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE:
If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging
if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the
return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer if an error is due to our fault.
ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or
personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.
This
sword is complete and in near perfect condition. They are very scarce and
should appeal to the most sophisticated collector who desires the most unusual.
Copyright 2009 by Land And Sea Collection™,
All Rights Reserved
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