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| Price: |
$1,850.00
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| Sale Price: |
No Price
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| Availability: |
in stock |
| Prod. Code: |
EWR64 |
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Rare Massachusetts marked Ames model 1832 Foot US Artillery Short Sword. This example of the US Model 1832 Foot Artillery Sword offered is in fine+ condition overall. It is dated 1838 and is one of the Ames delivered swords that bears the scare "MS" marking (all there, just worn and weak), on the face of the brass crossguard for the state of Massachusetts on the guard. This is one of the standard production Ames artillery swords that were assembled with Ames produced hilts, as Ames terminated his association with Huse’s foundry during 1834. The sword is clearly marked on one ricasso with usual {EAGLE} / N.P. AMES / SPRINGFIELD. The opposite ricasso is marked in three lines: UNITED / STATES / 1838 / WS. These are the initials of Ordinance Department sub0inspector William Smith. There are also a couple "2" stamped on this side of the blade. The most important mark on the sword is the MS mark on the obverse of the guard. According to research by John H. Thillmann, published in his book Civil War Army Swords, records indicate that only 311 US M1832 Foot Artillery Swords were delivered to the states in 1839. It is generally believed that all 311 were sent to Massachusetts. In any case, the research suggests that no more than 311 Ordnance Department marked Ames M1832 Artillery Swords were provided to Massachusetts, making this a very rare variant. The two-piece cast brass guard is in FINE condition, and the brass has a lovely, dull golden patina. The blade is in about FINE condition as well. It is full-length and retains a large amount of the arsenal bright finish. The blade does not appear to have ever been sharpened. There is some scattered minor age discoloration present on the blade, but it is free of any pitting. There is one nick along the edge of the blade. The sword is accompanied by its original brass mounted leather scabbard, which is in FINE condition as well. The brass mounts have a lightly tarnished, dull golden patina, similar to the hilt. The mounts are securely attached to the leather scabbard body with their original pins. The leather scabbard body on the bottom reverse does exhibit some minor surface crazing. The scabbard remains solid and attractive, matching the condition of the sword quite well. Accompanied by the original scabbard/belt frog in excellent condition overall as well. Overall this is a really attractive and very nice condition example of a scarce State of Massachusetts Marked Ames US Model 1832 Foot Artillery Sword. The sword is in FINE condition and has wonderful inspector and state markings. With no more than 311 of these Ordnance Department contract artillery swords being delivered to Massachusetts, this is a fairly scarce sword to find. It is also a very nice example of one of the first swords that Ames produced entirely in house and is old enough to have seen service in both the Mexican War and in the Civil War.
