This is a Model 1840 Officer's Cavalry Saber, also referred to as a Dragoon Heavy Cavalry Saber, manufactured by the Ames Manufacturing Company of Cabotville, Massachusetts. The sword measures 41 1/4" overall, with a blade length of 35 1/2". The blade is slightly curved with a wide, flat back that measures 1 1/4" at the ricasso. It is a single edged blade with an integral fuller that measures 26 1/2" and a narrow fuller along the false edge measuring 18 1/4" in length. There are a couple of small nicks on the true edge of the sword, only one noticeable to the eye. The polish is still very bright on the blade. The reverse ricasso is marked N.P. AMES/CABOTVILLE/1845. The obverse ricasso is stamped US/JH. The blade remains unsharpened, but a coat of laquer or varnish applied to it in the past. The brass hilt has also had a coat of lacquer applied to it. The guard and two branches of the hilt have very ornate floral patterns, along with a military shield on the back side of the guard. The original leather washer is missing and the blade is slightly loose at the hilt. The wooden grip is still covered in the original leather wrap. There are no cracks in the wooden grip. The leather wrap is intact and tight, but is worn thin on the top. The double twisted brass wire is tight to the grip. The brass pommel cap is also tight to the grip, and is also engraved with laurel leaves on the edges. The peen appears to be unmolested. The point where the guard joins the pommel cap is very loose, and allows the guard to wobble on the grip. The original iron scabbard is unmarked and has no dents or damage of any sort. The scabbard has a gold tint to it, and appears to have had a coat of lacquer applied at some time in the past. The areas where the lacquer has worn off have taken on a dark brown patina. The drag is integral and shows little wear, as do the mounts and suspension rings. Overall this is a beautiful example of a Mexican American era Cavalry Saber that most likely saw service during the American Civil War. It is my opinion that this old wrist breaker saw some time in a GAR hall after the Civil War. This beauty would compliment either a Mexican War or American Civil War collection.

Item # AA2867

(Sold)