North America, United States, Massachusetts, Springfield / Chicopee, ca. 19th century CE. A handsome steel and brass short sword, the model 1832, with the original leather scabbard, by the famous Ames Manufacturing Company. The ricasso is stamped with an eagle and marked "N.P. Ames / Springfield" and on the reverse "United / States / 1842 / JCB." The JCB stands for Joseph C. Bragg, a civilian inspector from 1841-1849. The hilt has a tactile feather / scale pattern, and the US eagle emblem stamped on the pommel. The brass cross guard is stamped "W.A.T" for William Anderson Thornton, U.S. Armory inspector from 1840-1869. This double-edged blade was made for foot artillery army regiments and remained in wide use until 1872. While the short gladius style blade was inadequate as a weapon for combat- this may have been used for clearing trails and bushwacking, a useful tool. Size in sheath: 25" L x 4.25" W (63.5 cm x 10.8 cm); blade only: 19" L x 1.75" W (48.3 cm x 4.4 cm)

Please note, the M1832 was modeled after the French 1816 Foot Artilleryman?s sword. The French sheaths are often paired by collectors with the USA Ames swords if the original Ames sheath is missing. There are ways to distinguish the French from USA Ames sheaths; for example the Ames used rivets on the brass rather than staples. This has brass rivets and other details that indicate this is a USA example.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#160479

Missing chape tip on sheath. Eagle on blade is rubbed but partially discernable. Minor surface wear, patina, and toning, but overall good antique condition.