Original U.S. Mexican-American War Rare First Year Production Ames Model 1832 Artillery Short Sword with Scabbard - Partially Coated with Protectant

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of an Ames Model 1832 Artillery Short sword, dated 1833, a very scarce first year example. This design of foot artillery sword has a straight, heavy double-edged steel blade. There are two side-by-side fullers, starting just below the hilt. Then, after a space of 11/16", there is a single center fuller that extends toward the blade's spear shaped point. The overall blade length is approximately 19 1/4''. This example retains the scabbard, but the throat was off and re-attached backwards.

The blade is stamped on the reverse, near the hilt:

UNITED
STATES
1833

On the obverse, near the hilt stamped under an American Eagle, is:

N. P. AMES
SPRINGFIELD

The top of the crossguard is marked with J.M. and an H.K.C. cartouche. 

The grips have been molded in a scalloped eagle feather design. Three transverse iron rivets secure it to the tang of the blade. The pommel is decorated on each side with a heavily incised American eagle, with shield, holding arrows in his left talon and an olive branch in his right talon. The eagle's head faces towards its right. The straight cross quillons terminate in disk shaped finials, which are in great shape. Overall the grip has a lovely aged patina, with no signs of aggressive cleaning.

The blade on this example has been applied with a strange brass-colored protectant, but about half of it has been chipped off, with it retained on the lower side. There is also some of this protectant on the crossguard. We aren’t sure when it was applied, but it appears to be above past oxidation. It could likely be chipped away if desired. There are no nicks on the edge of the blade, but there is some heavy wear near the tip. The blade is still tight to the hilt. 

The black leather scabbard is in good condition, with a great look and mellow gold color on the brass fittings. The stitching is well-retained but as mentioned, the brass throat originally came off, and was re-attached backwards, with the frog button on the side of the stitching. It still displays well with the sword. 

Comes more than ready for display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 19 1/4"
Blade Style: Double Edged "Gladius" style
Overall length: 25 1/4“
Crossguard: 4 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 17 1/2"