This is a Model 1840 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 gone from this one, leaving the blade a dull steel gray patina mottled with black age spots over the entire blade. The reverse ricasso is marked N.P. AMES/CABOTVILLE/1845. The obverse ricasso is stamped US/NWP, standing for Nathan W. Patch, an Ames inspector from 1831-1849. The blade has been sharpened at some point, but only the last 2 1/2" of the blade. The brass hilt has a beautiful deep bronze patina. The original leather washer is still intact and the blade is very tight to the hilt. The wooden grip is still covered in the original leather wrap. There are two crack, each about an inch long, on either side of the 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. The peen appears to be unmolested. The original iron scabbard is unmarked and has no dents or damage of any sort. The scabbard has taken on a dark brown patina with pitting over the entire surface. 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. This beauty would compliment either a Mexican War or American Civil War collection.

Item # AA872

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