Original U.S. Civil War M-1840 Army NCO Sword by Ames Mfg. Co. with Partial Brass & Leather Scabbard - Dated 1861

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a U.S. Civil War issue Model 1840 Non-Commissioned Officer's sword by Ames Manufacturing Co. of Chicopee, Massachusetts. They were by far the largest supplier of edged weapons to the Union forces during the war. This example has an honest patina on the blade from service use, but still presents very beautifully.

The sword measures 38 ¾ " overall, and has an all-brass hilt, with a "double scallop" cross guard, and a "D" hand guard enclosing the knurled hand grip. Comes complete in its straight brass-mounted steel scabbard with intact frog hook. The 32 inch straight blade's ricasso is marked on one side with the Ames Mfg. Co. Scroll company marking, which is partly faded at the top:

AMES MFG Co
CHICOPEE.
MASS. MASS.

One the other side it is marked:

U.S.
J.H.
1861

This indicates the inspector as John Hannis, Armory Sub-Inspector, a well known inspector of swords during the Civil War. The blade is in great shape with a few small flaws but overall great.

The scabbard on this example is in rough shape with much of the leather showing damage, and the brass drag is entirely gone, with some leather missing as well. When removing the scabbard from the blade, extreme caution should be taken, and several points of contact should be made to ensure the scabbard is not damaged.

This is a scarce NCO’s sword with its original scabbard, ready for further research and display.

Approx. Measurements:
Blade Length: 32"
Blade Style: Single Edged Sword with Fuller
Overall length: 39“
Crossguard: 4 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 28” (Broken)