Gorgeous Mexican War – Model 1840 Staff Officers Sword

Description

Gorgeous Mexican War – Model 1840 Staff Officers Sword, made by “N.P. AMES / CUTLER / SPRINGFIELD.”

Ames Early Model 1840 Staff Officers’ Sword, with a 32 inch blade, 15/16 inch wide.  Blade etching on the maker marked side, using florals, panoply of arms, American eagle with “E Pluribus Unum” and floral to the end of etching.  The other side similar with florals, bow with quiver of arrows, “U.S.” and Tecumseh with bow and tomahawk.  The blade is in excellent condition with some very light pitting and blemishing on the ricasso, and upward for about  two inches on both sides The hilt is silver with simulated spiral wrapping, folding counter guard, acanthus leaf decorations on guard bow and on rounded dome shape pommel. Original white buff leather washer is present.

The scabbard is factory engraved with floral designs, American eagle on federal shield with bolts of lightening extending downward, with similar florals on the drag. The reverse side is plain. Two ring mounts, each with single ring, and frog hook.  All parts are finished in heavy gilt, of which most surfaces retain a very high percentage, other than some areas of thinning on the scabbard. Scabbard does not have the Ames Mfg. Co. stamp at the throat, a feature seen with the Chicopee, Mass marking.

This is a sword that was made sometime in the 1840s, and likely used during the Mexican War era. A great sword, in a condition that would be hard to improve upon.