November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
This Dragoon Saber is a scarce specimen manufactured by the N.P Ames Cutlery Firm in Springfield, Massachusetts. The U.S. Regiment of Dragoons was organized in 1843, at which time a new pattern if saber was authorized. This saber is very similar to the British Model 1822 light Cavalry saber. The single edge, slightly curved steel blade has a heavy rounded rib which runs the entire length of the spine. Maker's address is thinly hand engraved in script near the ricasso on the right side "N.P. Ames/ Cutlers/ Springfield/ 1839". The opposite side is engraved "United States" in script above a pair of attentive branches. Brown leather covered wooden grip with bulbous sections, separated by strands of finely twisted brass wire. The brass hilt has two branches on the right side and a counterguard branch on the opposite side, each branch and the quillon are engraved with single line borders. Backstrap extends into the pommel which is molded. the back of the guard beneath the quillon and is stamped with inspector marks "MPL/ORD" and the left side of the quillon is stamped with "WS". Complete with original steel scabbard with original brown finish. CONDITION: Very good. Blade retains most of its original polish with scattered brown freckling and a few dark spots. Markings are excellent. Hilt retains an unpolished patina with a few light marks from use. Grip excellent with some crazing and minor losses to surface. Scabbard retains 80-90% of the original brown finish with some scattered scratches and flaking. This is a fine specimen of a scarce early Dragoon variation.