Ames  M 1840 Cavalry - Dragoon Saber ~ Dated 1849

5 Star Condition

Presented is a very scarce M1840 Ames Saber dated 1849, that was made for the three Dragoon regiments in the Army's Cavalry under a War Department contract for only 2940 pieces for this addendum. Design calls for brass basket guard with two branches in addition to knuckle bow and Phrygian helmet pommel. For good reason, it was known as the "Old Wrist Breaker", due to its over four pound weight while in the scabbard. This rare piece is most suitable for a collector demanding the finest because of its excellent markings, overall condition, and because it represents seventy five years of continuous service, first in the Mexican, then the Civil War, and on in to WW I. 

MARKINGS: It is correctly marked with an US over WD on two lines on the obverse, and is stamped Ames Mfg. Co. over Cabotsville over 1849 on thee lines on the reverse.  On the back of the pommel at the top is JWR and WD at the bottom.

CONDITION: The hilt has a rich dark greenish brown patina with variations in color from deep to mid-green. The blade is gun metal grey with darker blotches on both sides, and NO pitting. The leather covered wood hilt has no faults and the two strand wire wrap is complete and in perfect condition. The scabbard is in the same excellent condition with both carrying rings, tight suspension bands, and a haze grey patina that varies from light to dark. There are only a couple of very small dents towards the lower end.

PROVENANCE: From a South Carolina collection.

 

Ref. The American Sword, 1775-1945, by Harold E. Peterson, 1996. Pages 32-35, 234.

 

The weight of this combination is 4 lbs 7 oz

 

DIMENSIONS: 43 1/4" long overall. 41 1/2 sword 35 3/4" blade length

Max width of blade 1 1/4"         Max thickness 3/8"

Large Fuller 7/8" W x 26" L      Weight 4 lbs  7 oz     Saber 2 lbs 8 oz

Small Fuller  1/8" W x 18" L

 

Full two branch basket guard in excellent condition

Tightly wrapped two strand wire

Proper Ames, 1849, Cabotville mark

Proper US over inspector's WD mark

 

Hefty blade in good condition with no pitting

M1840 Cavalry saber and will be appreciated by those who value only the finest!

 

Scabbard is in excellent condition with only a few dents and minor spotting and blemishes

BRIEF HISTORY Ames Mfg. Co.: The Ames Manufacturing Company, Chicopee, Massachusetts, was founded in 1832 by James Tyler Ames and his brother, Nathan Peabody Ames. The company manufactured small tools, cotton machinery, swords, cannons, and did casting of bells. They started production of military contract swords in 1832 with the M1832 foot artillery sword, and ended with the M1906 cavalry saber in 1906. Ames produced more swords for the American military than any other company before or since, totaling over 200,000 swords in service by the end of the Civil War. In that time, at least ten different manufacturing marks were used on the swords. A little knowledge of the company history helps place a date range for when each stamp was used. When the company started producing swords it was led by Nathan P. Ames, and most marks reflected that fact. In 1847, Nathan died and left the company to his brother James. The markings on the blades were immediately changed from N.P. Ames to Ames Mfg. Co. In 1848, the town of Cabotville was incorporated into Chicopee, Massachusetts, and the marks were once again changed to reflect this. Blades dated as late as 1850 may still bear the Cabotville stamp, as the old dies were probably used until they were worn out. In a much reduced state, they are still in business today. Mostly, from an essay by Michael McWatters

FLAT RATE INSURED SHIPPING to 48 contiguous States $35.00

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.

International buyers welcome, but you are responsible for knowing the import laws of your country. 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.

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